ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Desalination

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the (a) cost and (b) carbon dioxide output per cubic metre of desalination.

Elliot Morley: Desalination not been previously used as an option for water supply in the UK. Costs and emissions will be determined by the particulars of the operation concerned, for example, each will depend on whether brackish or sea water is involved; the source of energy used; and whether or not the plant is used continuously or to meet peak demands.
	Projections from South East Water, who are constructing a small desalination plant on the Southcoast, point to an energy consumption around 4.5–4.7 kWh per cubic metre of water produced, using energy from a combined heat and power plant. The company has also estimated, in its business plan for the Periodic Review of water prices in 2004, that the cost will be around 47 p per cubic metre.

Flooding

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had with Treasury colleagues on the overall sum available to her Department for flood defence works.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 27 March 2006
	Defra has policy responsibility for flood risk management in England, funds most of the Environment Agency's flood related work and grant aids individual projects undertaken by local authorities and internal drainage boards. The programme to manage risk is driven by the operating authorities; Defra does not build defences, nor direct the authorities on which specific projects to undertake.
	Funding is allocated to different priorities within the full range of Departmental responsibilities from the overall allocation for the Department set in the Government's regular Spending Reviews. The 2004 Review set spending limits for 2005–06 to 2007–08. The Government's Comprehensive Spending Review in 2007 will set allocations for 2008–09 to 2010–11. The level of spending on flood risk management is being considered as part of this, as is the level of the Department's spend across all areas.
	We are committed to the effective management of flood and coastal erosion risk and have increased funding significantly in recent years. In cash terms funding from central and local government has doubled from £307 million in 1996–97 to an estimated outturn of £600 million in 2005–06, a real terms increase of 40 per cent. after inflation.

Flooding

John Gummer: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much the (a) Environment Agency and (b) other operating authorities allocated to flood risk prevention measures for the Suffolk coast and its tidal rivers in each year since 2003–04.

Elliot Morley: The Environment Agency is the principal operating authority with responsibility for flood risk management in England and has allocated the following sums for flood risk measures on the Suffolk coast and its tidal rivers:
	
		£000
		
			  Capital Maintenance 
		
		
			 2003–04 775 365 
			 2004–05 764 826 
			 2005–06(1) 4,582 380 
			 2006–07(1) 4,032 700 
		
	
	(1)Forecast.
	The aforementioned figures exclude costs in producing strategy plans but include design costs for works.
	Waveney district council is promoting a £5 million capital improvement project at Southwold with funding from DEFRA which will provide protection from both flooding and coastal erosion. The latest estimate of spend is £2.3 million in 2005–06 and £3.4 million in 2006–07.
	Figures for other measures by local authorities for flood (as opposed to coastal erosion) risk management on the Suffolk coast and its tidal rivers are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Flooding

John Gummer: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list flood protection projects (a) undertaken, (b) under way and (c) proposed for the Suffolk coast in each year since (i) 2003–04 and (ii) 2006–07, including those which have not yet been approved by her Department; and in each case what the (A) estimated cost is and (B) threshold score is, calculated on the basis of the priority scoring system.

Elliot Morley: The Environment Agency's improvement programme for the Suffolk coast is shown as follows. The Agency considers some projects will be exempt from DEFRA's priority scoring requirement because of the Government's legal obligation to protect environmental sites of international importance. The need for such works has to be agreed with English Nature (Natural England) for individual cases. Felixstowe Ferry Sea Defences and Bawdsey Sea Defences are being promoted with levy funding from local authorities rather than DEFRA grant in aid and are not therefore subject to DEFRA's priority scoring requirement.
	Projects often span several years, particularly when advance feasibility and design work is taken into account, so it is not possible to allocate projects to specific years. Instead expenditure in each year has been shown.
	
		
			Cost (£000) 
			 Project Status Priority score 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 Later years 
		
		
			 Felixstowe Manor Wall Undertaken 28.5 324 12 — — 
			 Felixstowe Ferry Sea Defences Undertaken/under way 15 — 100 425 — 
			 Ipswich Horseshoe Sluice Undertaken 22 — 35 58 — 
			 Southwold Easton Bavents Underway 27.3 143 62 664 590 
			 Felixstowe Coastal Defences Proposed 28.5 24 68 76 3,555 
			 Blyth Walls Proposed (2)— — — 10 1,410 
			 Minsmere Sea Defences Proposed (2)— 83 83 107 850 
			 Easton Broad Proposed (2)— 122 92 99 610 
			 Deben Walls Proposed (2)— — — — 1,180 
			 Aide Walls Proposed (2)— — — — 2,200 
			 Ipswich Tidal Defences Proposed 20 — 79 102 8,300 
			 Aldeburgh—Slaughden Proposed 19.5 30 119 116 1,470 
			 Bawdsey Sea Defences Proposed 10.1 60 200 60 1,500 
			 Kessingland to Benacre Sea Defences Proposed 10 30 45 — 435 
			 Orwell Walls Proposed (2)— — — — 490 
			 Walberswick to Dunwich Proposed (2)— — — 28 800 
			 Sizewell Sea Defences Proposed — — — — 200 
			 Southwold The Denes Proposed 17.4 — — — 250 
		
	
	(2)Exempt.
	The Department has not been notified that projects are being promoted by any other operating authorities.

Freshwater Biological Association Library/ Kritsch Collection

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with (a) the National Environment Research Council, (b) the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and (c) the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on the implications for environmental protection of the decision to withdraw funding from the Freshwater Biological Association Library and the Kritsch Collection.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 21 March 2006
	The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology is wholly owned by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). I have had no discussions with (a) the National Environment Research Council, (b) the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and (c) the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on the implications for environmental protection of the decision to withdraw funding from the Freshwater Biological Association Library and the Kritsch Collection, because decisions on the merits of the funding of specific research areas are a matter for NERC.

Household Appliances

James McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the Government plan to introduce rules to regulate the amount of energy that can be used by electrical household appliances in (a) standby and (b) no load mode.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 27 March 2006
	The Government are committed to raising product standards, including the energy used by appliances.
	Mandatory standards for appliances are set at EU level. The new Eco-Design for Energy Using Products Framework Directive provides a route for setting such requirements, and we are pressing for stand-by power to be a priority area for action. Our Market Transformation Programme (MTP) has also been working to promote other measures: for example, an EU-wide voluntary agreement means that the majority of new televisions sold in the UK now consume around 1watt of power in stand-by mode rather than the 3–8watts consumed by older models. Discussions are now under way to extend this agreement to cover other consumer electronics.
	The Budget also announced a new initiative, in partnership with major retailers and the Energy Saving Trust, to introduce voluntary schemes in the retail sector which encourage the purchase of more energy efficient alternatives in consumer electronics.

Kyoto Protocol

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps the Government is taking to meet its commitments on carbon reductions under the Kyoto Protocol; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The UK expects to exceed by about 7percentage points its Kyoto Protocol commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5 per cent. below base year levels by 2008–12. Latest available figures indicate that in 2004 UK greenhouse gas emissions were 14.6 per cent. lower than base year levels. The additional policies and measures to be introduced from the current review of the UK's Climate Change Programme will achieve further reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Operating and Financial Review

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she was first informed by HM Treasury of the decision to abandon the Operating and Financial Review.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 13 March 2006
	The Government took the collective decision in November 2005 to repeal the mandatory requirement on quoted companies to prepare an Operating and Financial Review (OFR) as contained in the OFR regulations so that they are required to prepare a Business Review instead, and I was consulted prior to the decision being taken.

Pollution

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the change has been in the level of (a) carbon dioxide emissions and (b) carbon dioxide emissions from (i) aviation and (ii)shipping from the UK since 1990.

Elliot Morley: According to latest Government statistics published in January 2006, total net carbon dioxide emissions (including removals by sinks) fell by 5.6 per cent. between 1990 and 2004. Over the same period, carbon dioxide emissions from domestic aviation have increased by an estimated 80 per cent. and carbon dioxide emissions from domestic shipping have decreased by an estimated 11 per cent. The figures presented in the following table do not include emissions from international aviation or international shipping which, according to rules agreed internationally, are estimated and recorded by the UK in its greenhouse gas inventory but are not counted in assessments of progress against international climate change targets.
	
		
			 UK, million tonnes carbon (MtC) equivalent 1990 2004 Percentage change 
		
		
			 Total net carbon dioxide emissions (including removals by sinks) 161.5 152.5 -5.6 
			 Carbon dioxide emissions from domestic aviation 0.35 0.63 +80 
			 Carbon dioxide emissions from domestic shipping 1.12 1.0 -11

Sustainable Building

Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of the Department's building programme budget was allocated to (a) energy self-generation and (b) water recycling measures in the 2004–05 financial year.

Ben Bradshaw: Defra incorporates significant sustainable features in all major new buildings and refurbishment works that it undertakes. However, no energy self-generation or water recycling measures were installed during the financial year 2004–05.
	Defra is implementing the Framework for Sustainable Development on the Government Estate which sets specific targets for reduction of water use per person per annum, and for sourcing electricity from renewable and self-generated sources.
	In 2005–06 3.2 per cent. of the capital building programme budget has been committed to item (a) energy self-generation. No item (b) water recycling capital investment was made.

Water

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what plans the Government have to ensure adequate supplies of water to houses proposed under the Sustainable Communities Plan;
	(2)  what (a) assessment her Department has made of and (b) research has been conducted by her Department on the effect of the Sustainable Communities Plan on water supplies.

Elliot Morley: It is for the individual water companies concerned to consider the need for increasing provision of water in fulfilment of their statutory duties to maintain adequate supplies of water. They have 25 year water resource plans which seek to reconcile supply with anticipated demand. This forward planning framework exists to take account of factors such as the water supplyand disposal infrastructure required to service significant new housing developments such as that proposed under the Sustainable Communities Plan. Water resources plans will become a statutory requirement under the provisions of the Water Act 2003.
	ODPM and Defra jointly commissioned a major research project, 'A Sustainability Impact Study of Additional Housing Scenarios in England', to consider the environmental, social and economic impacts of additional housing supply proposed by the Barker Review. As part of the project a nine-region model was developed to examine the relationship between housing supply and various environmental impacts, including land take, waste production, water use and energy use. The research indicated that the reaching the Government's ambition of 200,000 additional new houses would result in an additional demand of 12 million litres per day in 2016 above the 12,728 million litres/day in the baseline.

Water

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her Department's policy is on making water meters compulsory for new build domestic properties.

Elliot Morley: The Government's policy is that metering, with appropriate tariffs and protection for vulnerable groups, is a fair method of water charging. Household customers have the right to opt for a measured charge or to remain on an established unmeasured basis of charging while using water only for normal household purposes in their current home. Subject to those rights it is for water companies to decide in which circumstances to base their charges on metering and in which circumstances on another basis. All water companies choose to meter new homes.

Water

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what assessment the Government have made of the demographics of households who have volunteered for water meters;
	(2)  what assessment the Government have made of the effect of compulsory water metering on (a) the water bills of families and (b) poorer socio-economic groups.

Elliot Morley: Before the introduction of the statutory free meter option, DETR commissioned and published Incidence Effects of Charging for Domestic Water and Sewerage Services' in June 1998. That project developed a model that calculated the distributional effects on households of changing water charging from a rateable value basis to alternative unmeasured and measured options. This showed that switching to alternative water charging systems created not only winners but also a large numbers of losers.
	In December 2004 Defra published the 'cross-Government review of water affordability report'. That report showed the scope and scale of the water affordability issue, including the effects on lower income groups and pensioners. Following the recommendations of the report Defra is currently working with Ofwat, the Consumer Council for Water, and water companies to look at the effects on types of households of alternative methods of measured charging as part of a range of measured and unmeasured tariff options.

Water

Alistair Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she plans to review the licence fees and charges incurred under the Water Framework Directive by homeowners who install environmentally friendly heat pumps by means of Clear Skies grant.

Elliot Morley: Abstraction licences and discharge consents may be required for the operation of heat pumps, depending upon the exact configuration and operation of any given system. Controls on abstractions and discharges have been in place for many years under the Water Resources Act 1991.
	The Environment Agency sets out charges for abstractions and discharges in charging schemes that are approved by Ministers on an annual basis. There are no plans to dispense with charges in relation to heat pumps installed under the Clear Skies grant scheme.

Water

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research her Department has carried out into the feasibility of creating a national grid of water pipes.

Elliot Morley: My Department has conducted no such research. The Environment Agency is the statutory body with a duty to manage water resources in England and Wales. As part of the Agency's management role it has national and regional water resource strategies, published in 2001, which set out the pressures over the next 25 years. The strategies indicated that a national water grid would suffer a number of drawbacks. These include that pipelines for long distance transfers are large and their construction may be disruptive, and that pumping can consume much energy and add to carbon emissions. The Agency is currently undertaking some further work to update its earlier conclusions.
	Water companies have statutory duties to maintain water supplies. It is for them to plan the investment necessary to deliver their services, including the necessary financial provision, and it is for Ofwat, in the light of companies' plans, to secure that companies carry out and are able to finance their functions. Each water company operates its own network of water pipes, but I am not aware that water companies collectively are considering the establishment of a national grid of water pipes.
	The merits of a water grid would be considered by Ministers if applications for planning and other consents came before them for determination.

Water

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what information her Department collects on the charges levied on (a) domestic and (b) commercial consumers of (i) metered and (ii) unmetered supplies by each water and sewerage undertaking in each county of England.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 23 March 2006
	The Department does not collect information on the charges levied by water and sewerage undertakers in England. The Office of Water Services (Ofwat), the economic regulator of the water industry, collects information on the household and non-household charges made by the water and sewerage undertakers. This information is based on the areas that the companies serve rather than administrative counties.
	Ofwat publishes information on charges in its annual Tariff structures and charges report". Companies have recently sent out bills for 2006–07. Information for this charging year will be available in the 2006–07 report which will be published in April.
	The following tables show water and sewerage companies' charges to households for 2005–06. The first table provides the average unmeasured household bill for this period charged by each water and sewerage undertaker. The second provides the average measured bill for this period charged by each water and sewerage undertaker.
	Detailed information on companies' charges for non-household customers can be found in Ofwat's Tariff structures and charges 2005–06 report" which is available in the Library of the House. Most non-household customers pay a charge calculated via a volumetric rate. Most water and sewerage undertakers also levy a fixed charge on their non-household customers according to the size of the meter that the customer has. This fixed charge varies from company to company.
	
		Average unmeasured household bills—2005–06 -- £
		
			  Water(3) Sewerage Combined 
		
		
			 Water and sewerage companies
			 Anglian 158 199 357 
			 Dwr Cymru 153 199 352 
			 Northumbrian 114 145 259 
			 Essex and Suffolk (part Northumbrian) 159 — — 
			 Severn Trent 135 125 260 
			 South West 177 323 500 
			 Southern 109 202 311 
			 Thames 155 103 258 
			 United Utilities 139 157 296 
			 Wessex 155 178 333 
			 Yorkshire (including York) 133 145 278 
			 
			 Water only companies
			 Bournemouth & West Hampshire 137 — — 
			 Bristol 133 — — 
			 Cambridge 115 — — 
			 Cholderton 158 — — 
			 Dee Valley 129 — — 
			 Folkestone and Dover 175 — — 
			 Mid Kent 156 — — 
			 Portsmouth 79 — — 
			 South East 163 — — 
			 South Staffs 105 — — 
			 Sutton and East Surrey 151 — — 
			 Tendring Hundred 204 — — 
			 Three Valleys (including North Surrey) 148 — — 
		
	
	(3)Forecast.
	
		Average measured household bills 2005–06 -- £
		
			  Water(4) Sewerage Combined 
		
		
			 Water and sewerage companies
			 Anglian 116 147 263 
			 Dwr Cymru 105 114 219 
			 Northumbrian 94 124 218 
			 Essex and Suffolk (part Northumbrian) 116 — — 
			 Severn Trent 113 118 231 
			 South West 116 194 310 
			 Southern 103 167 270 
			 Thames 133 100 233 
			 United Utilities 124 140 264 
			 Wessex 116 133 249 
			 Yorkshire (including York) 111 119 230 
			 
			 Water only companies
			 Bournemouth & West Hampshire 114 — — 
			 Bristol 115 — — 
			 Cambridge 94 — — 
			 Cholderton 139 — — 
			 Dee Valley 89 — — 
			 Folkestone and Dover 127 — — 
			 Mid Kent 124 — — 
			 Portsmouth 80 — — 
			 South East 130 — — 
			 South Staffs 100 — — 
			 Sutton and East Surrey 114 — — 
			 Tendring Hundred 139 — — 
			 Three Valleys (including North Surrey) 122 — — 
		
	
	(4)Forecast.

Water

Jacqui Lait: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with the relevant water companies on ensuring water supply to homes in London and the South East in summer 2006; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: Water companies supplying London and the South East, in common with the other water companies, produce drought plans, which are now a statutory requirement as a result of changes introduced by the Water Act 2003. The drought plan sets out how the company will continue to meet its duty to maintain an adequate supply of water during a short term water shortage.
	One of the actions may involve applying to my Department for drought orders to restrict non-essential uses of water. My officials have had discussions relating to water supplies, and possible drought orders, with Thames Water, Sutton and East Surrey Water, Southern Water, Mid Kent Water and South East Water.

SCOTLAND

Labour Statistics Employment/Unemployment Trends

John MacDougall: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the most recent Scottish employment rate.

Alistair Darling: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to questions 2, 3 and 7.

Labour Statistics Employment/Unemployment Trends

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the most recent Labour Market statistics for Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

Alistair Darling: I refer my hon. Friends to the answer Igave earlier today to questions 2, 3 and 7.

Labour Statistics Employment/Unemployment Trends

Ian Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent assessment he has made of trends in employment and unemployment in Scotland.

Alistair Darling: The Scottish labour market is at its strongest position in decades with more people in work and fewer unemployed than ever before.

BCCI

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from local authorities that lost money in the Bank of Credit and Commerce International collapse of 1991.

David Cairns: My right hon. Friend has received no such representations.

Small Firms

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what definition the Department uses of a small firm.

David Cairns: There is no single definition of a small firm with terms such as small firm" and SME" (Small and Medium sized Enterprise) being used interchangeably. The Scotland Office uses definitions based on the European Commission recommendation of May 2003 and the Companies Act 1985.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION

Souvenir Shop (Fairtrade Products)

Jo Swinson: To ask the hon. Member for NorthDevon, representing the House of Commons Commission how many products sold in the souvenir shop are Fairtrade products.

Nick Harvey: At present, the souvenir shop sells two ranges of ethically traded products: embossed leather goods and embroidered Christmas tree decorations. 95 per cent. of souvenirs sold in the House of Commons shops are produced in the UK.

Westminster Hall

Nigel Evans: To ask the hon. Member for NorthDevon, representing the House of Commons Commission whether Westminster Hall is on scheduleto be reopened on time; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Harvey: The building works are progressing satisfactorily and the Hall is currently on programme to re-open in early October at the end of the summer recess period as originally planned. The Hall has been closed since the beginning of the year to allow the reconstruction of the steps at the south end of the Hall to take place. General enabling works took place beneath the steps (to remove asbestos and secure building services) out of sight of visitors. Work has now commenced inside the Hall including removal of the steps, flooring slabs and archaeological exploratory operations. The works may be viewed through windows inserted in the safety hoarding across the top of the steps at St. Stephens entrance.

Bottled Water

John Spellar: To ask the hon. Member for NorthDevon, representing the House of Commons Commission if the Commission will arrange for jugs of water to be provided in committee and meeting rooms as a replacement for or alternative to bottled water.

Nick Harvey: The Administration Committee considered a suggestion that tap water be provided in place of bottled water in committee and meeting rooms at its meeting on 17 January 2006 and decided to take no action. Further consideration is being given to the provision of water in committee and meeting rooms.

LEADER OF THE HOUSE

Parliamentary Calendar

Andrew MacKay: To ask the Leader of the House what plans he has to review the parliamentary calendar.

Nigel Griffiths: There are no present plans for a formal review of the parliamentary calendar, although my right hon. Friend is always open to representations on this as on other matters.

Capita Group

Chris Grayling: To ask the Leader of the House how much business his office has placed with (a) Capita Group plc and (b) its subsidiaries in each of the last five years; what the total value is of outstanding contracts placed with Capita Group plc and its subsidiaries by his office; for which current tenders issued by his Office (i)Capita Group plc and (ii) its subsidiaries have been invited to bid; and whether (A) Capita Group plc and (B) its subsidiaries have seconded staff (1) temporarily and (2) on a longer-term basis to his office.

Nigel Griffiths: The Office of the Leader of the House of Commons has used the Capita Group once within the last five years. The details are set out as follows. There are no outstanding contracts or current tenders issued by my office to Capita Group or its subsidiaries and no staff from Capita have been seconded to the office.
	
		Capita Business Services Ltd.
		
			 Service—one-off instant recruitment Cost (£) 
		
		
			 November 2003 910.63

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

Efficiency Targets

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Solicitor-General how much is expected to be saved as a result of meeting the Civil Service workforce reductions targets for his Office set out in the 2004 Spending Review; and whether these savings count towards the agreed efficiency target for his Office set out in the Review.

Mike O'Brien: The Treasury Solicitor's Department's target is 36 by 31 March 2008, assuming a constant level of business activity. When fully implemented, associated savings in a full year will be £900,000. These savings achieved will count towards the TSol's efficiency target in Spending Review 2004.
	The Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Service 1 , Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers, Crown Prosecution Service, HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate and the Serious Fraud Office do not have workforce reductions targets.
	1 RCPO came into existence after the Spending Review 2004 workforce reduction targets were set but the target (10 equating to £400,000) for its predecessor (the Customs and Excise Prosecutions Office) had already been met.

Efficiency Targets

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Solicitor-General what total efficiency savings were achieved by the Law Officers' Departments in 2004–05; and whether these count towards the agreed efficiency target for the Departments set out in the 2004 Spending Review.

Mike O'Brien: The Crown Prosecution Service achieved £20.5 million efficiency savings in 2004–05, which contributed early progress towards the Department's agreed efficiency savings target set out in the 2004 Spending Review.
	The Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Office was not established 18 April 2005 but the headcount target (10) set for its predecessor, the Customs and Excise Prosecutions Office, was achieved in 2004–05.
	The Treasury Solicitor's Department 1 achieved efficiency savings of £0.6 million in 2004–05 and these sums will continue during the 2004 Spending Review period, contributing to the Department's Spending Review target.
	The Serious Fraud Office did not have an efficiency targets in 2004–05.
	1 Including the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate.

Sexual Harassment

Ben Chapman: To ask the Solicitor-General how many cases of sexual harassment were brought in which the defendant was subsequently acquitted of all charges in the last year for which figures are available.

Mike O'Brien: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) holds no discrete record of proceedings for sexual harassment. The term comprises a range of different behaviours, some of them representing offences under the criminal law while others are covered by various provisions of the civil law.
	With effect from September 2004, CPS sources provide a record of the number of defendants prosecuted for sexual offences, and of the outcome of proceedings. The table shows these figures for the last two years; however, the figures comprise all prosecutions for sexual offences, not just those for harassment. The table shows, together with the number and proportion of defendants acquitted, those whose case did not proceed, and those whose case resulted in conviction.
	
		Proceedings for sexual offences
		
			  2004–05(5) 2005–06(6) 
			  Number Percentage Number Percentage 
		
		
			 Prosecution did not proceed 1,211 20.9 2,307 20.6 
			 Acquitted at trial 966 16.6 1,819 16.3 
			 Total unsuccessful outcomes 2,777 37.5 4,126 36.9 
			 Convicted 3,625 62.5 7,065 63.1 
			 Total 5,802  11,191  
		
	
	(5)September 2004 to March 2005
	(6)April 2005 to 22 March 2006

TRANSPORT

A1073

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if officials from his Department will meet officers of Lincolnshire county council and Peterborough city council to resolve issues regarding the funding and progress in respect of the A1073 Spalding to Eye improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: holding answer 27 March 2006
	We are considering the issues relating to the funding of this scheme and will make an announcement in due course.

A3

Sarah McCarthy-Fry: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the cost implications of the time scale for making a decision on the A3 Hindhead Improvement Scheme.

Stephen Ladyman: The scheme is currently being programmed for implementation by the Highways Agency, and the costs estimated, on the assumption of a start of construction in 2008–09. The timing of a decision to proceed within this timescale would, therefore, have no implications for scheme costs.

A588

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many road traffic (a) accidents and (b) fatalities there have been on the A588 in Lancaster and Wyre since 2000.

Stephen Ladyman: The number of personal injury road accidents and resulting fatalities on the A588 in Lancaster and Wyre constituency from 2000–04 (the latest year for which figures are available) are given in the following table. The figures in the table are those that occurred in the 2004 boundary for Lancaster and Wyre constituency.
	
		
			  Accidents Fatalities 
		
		
			 2000 34 0 
			 2001 45 0 
			 2002 47 3 
			 2003 47 1 
			 2004 41 3

Airport Ownership

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether there are EU restrictions on UK companies owning airports in other member states; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: I have been asked to reply.
	There are no specific provisions in EU law concerning the ownership of airports. Any acquisitions involving changes in ownership of airports would be subject to the applicable merger control law. Acquisitions may only be restricted or prevented in accordance with the applicable law. The EU treaty provides for the free movement of capital between EU member states. EU states may not adopt measures that are incompatible with their EU treaty obligations.

British Airports Authority

Angus MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the ownership of airports operated by the British Airports Authority.

Derek Twigg: I refer the hon. Member to the written statement made to the House by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport on 21 March 2006, Official Report, columns 20–21WS, on the Government's response to the Civil Aviation Authority's price control review consultation.

Bus Services

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the effect of road congestion on the reliability of bus services outside London.

Stephen Ladyman: The Department has not commissioned research of this kind. However, it will be publishing later this year the results of a national survey of bus punctuality.
	Local transport authorities are required to monitor bus punctuality as part of the Local Transport Plan process. They and bus operators are encouraged to form Punctuality Improvement Partnerships to address issues of poor punctuality due to factors such as traffic congestion.

Cyclists

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the number of cyclists who use the railway network daily in each region; what action he is taking to encourage more cyclists to make part of their longer journeys by train;what improvements in facilities for cyclists using the rail network are planned; and if he will make a statement.

Derek Twigg: Data are not collected in the form requested.
	Each train operating company (TOC) is responsible for both their policy on the carriage of bikes on trains and the provision of cycle parking at stations.
	The Government have adopted the Cycling Policy document produced in 2004 by the Strategic Rail Authority. This encourages all TOCs to carry folding bikes at all times, to carry non folding bikes wherever possible, while recognising that in peak periods there may be circumstances where it is in the best interests of the majority of passengers not to do so. The policy recommends that TOCs provide sufficient cycle parking at stations so that 95 per cent. of all rail journeys start from a station with adequate cycle parking by 2009. To support this policy the DfT recently funded an additional 2,900 cycle parking spaces at stations where demand exceeded capacity.
	The franchise replacement process provides an opportunity to improve cycle facilities at stations, and to address the requirements of cyclists who wish to use trains. Bidders for the imminent South Western franchise will be asked to consider cycle-rail integration matters in their bid submissions.
	As part of our ongoing commitment to bike and rail journeys I am discussing with our advisory body on cycling, Cycling England how we might further encourage such journeys.

Harbours Bill

Julian Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the merits of the provisions contained in the Harbours Bill.

Stephen Ladyman: The Government's position in respect of the Harbours Bill was set out by my noble Friend Baroness Crawley during the Second Reading debate in the House of Lords on 27 October 2005, Official Report, columns 1382–85. We support the principle of the Bill which we believe would make a useful contribution to our policy of streamlining planning, and planning related, procedures.

Highways Agency

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many Article 14 directions relating to planning permissions have been issued by the Highways Agency in Northamptonshire since 1997.

Stephen Ladyman: holding answer 22 March 2006
	An Article 14 Direction is any type of formal restrictive response given by the Secretary of State for Transport to a planning application, be it refusal, conditions on approval, or restricting grant of permission.
	The current database for monitoring Article 14 directions does not contain this information prior to 2003. Since 2003, the Highways Agency has issued the following Article 14 directions relating to planning applications in Northamptonshire.
	
		
			  Total 
		
		
			 Planning application consultations received 368 
			 Directions of refusal 5 
			 Directions of conditions on approval 28 
			 Directions restricting grant of permission 7 
		
	
	Directions restricting the grant of permission (holding directions) direct that planning permission not be granted, usually for a specified period of six months or less. These directions are usually imposed where developers have not provided sufficient information for the Agency to assess the impact of their proposals on the trunk road network.
	Directions restricting the grant of permission are only recorded if extant. Such directions are superseded on the monitoring system by the final response. This final response may be refusal, conditions on approval, or consent.
	Analysis shows that five directions of refusal were made, with details as follows:
	
		
			 Site Date of direction Reason for direction Development 
		
		
			 Heart of the Shires, Norton 4 April 2004 Road safety Golf academy 
			 Land adjacent to the Coach House, Dodford 18 August 2005 Road safety Residential development 
			 Land adjacent to Knotwood Fields Farm, Stratford 6 December 2005 Insufficient information Telecom mast 
			 Brackley Sawmills 26 January 2006 Insufficient information Business park 
			 Tesco, Carina Road, Kettering 6 March 2006 Insufficient information Retail extension 
		
	
	The three applications refused due to insufficient information arose from the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) (Amendment) (England) Order 2005, which came into force on 24 August 2005. This Order requires statutory consultees to respond within 21 days, provided that sufficient information is available to provide a substantive response. In each of these cases the local planning authority has acknowledged that insufficient information has been submitted with the application, and has requested that the Highways Agency direct refusal in order that they might determine the application within their statutory deadlines.
	Seven directions restricting the grant of permission are extant, with details as follows:
	
		
			 Site Reason for direction Likely resolution 
		
		
			 Priors Hall, Corby Insufficient information Not yet known 
			 Ransome Road, Northampton Insufficient information Not yet known 
			 Nunn Mills, Northampton Insufficient information Not yet known 
			 A509 Isham Bypass Insufficient information Consent 
			 Faccenda Abattoir, Brackley Insufficient information Conditions on approval 
			 St. Mark's Road, Corby Insufficient information Application possibly withdrawn 
			 Weldon Park, Corby Insufficient information Application to be withdrawn (advised by Corby BC)

Homeland Security

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what rehearsals have taken place to prepare for a terrorist attack on (a) the Merseyrail in Liverpool and (b) the Tyne and Wear Metro in Newcastle.

Derek Twigg: Merseytravel, with its partners at Merseyrail Electrics, the local police and other emergency services undertake exercises to ensure preparedness for a terrorist attack. They are working with the Department to implement the lessons learnt from the last exercise in January 2006.
	The Tyne and Wear Metro took part in a series of desk top exercises in 2005 involving emergency evacuation in restricted access locations. The exercises were co-ordinated by the Tyne and Wear Emergency Planning Unit and involved Network Rail and all five local authorities in Tyne and Wear.

Local Transport Plans

Gary Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport in what circumstances Government funding may be (a) withheld and (b) reduced when a local authority has failed to consult properly on the introduction of a local transport plan.

Stephen Ladyman: holding answer 27 March 2006
	The effectiveness of consultation and involvement of stakeholders is one of the criteria against which the quality of local transport plans will be assessed. The overall assessment of the Plan will influence integrated transport allocations for the years 2007–08 to 2010–11.

Local Transport Plans

Gary Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consultation a local authority is required to carry out before introducing a local transport plan.

Stephen Ladyman: holding answer 27 March 2006
	Advice to local authorities on consultation was included in the Full Guidance on Local Transport Plans" issued in December 2004, available on the DfT website: www.dft.gov.uk

Office of the Rail Regulator

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what mechanisms are in place to ensure the independence of the Office of the Rail Regulator from (a) Government and (b) private companies.

Derek Twigg: The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) is the independent regulator of the rail industry in Great Britain.
	The ORR is required to make its decisions on the basis of a range of public interest duties set out in UK and European Union legislation. Any party who believes ORR has not acted in accordance with its statutory duties can seek a review by the courts.
	A further safeguard of ORR's independence is that it is a statutory board appointed by the Secretary of State in consultation with the chairman. Members must be appointed or removed in accordance with statutory criteria. I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I have given to the hon. Member for Stroud today (UIN 60600).

Railways

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many penalty fare schemes on trains have been suspended under Rule 13 of the Penalty Fares Rules; and what the reason was for each suspension.

Derek Twigg: The Department for Transport has not had to suspend a penalty fares scheme under Rule 13.

Railways

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list railway stations which do not have (a) waiting rooms, (b) toilets and (c) disabled access, broken down by train operating company.

Derek Twigg: Information on the facilities available at individual stations is available at www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Railways

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received on capacity on the East Coast Main Line.

Derek Twigg: A large number of representations have been received from organisations and individuals, both within the railway industry and outside, about the allocation of capacity on the East Coast Main Line.

Railways

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with GNER on the East Coast main line franchise.

Derek Twigg: holding answer 27 March 2006
	I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 16 March 2006, Official Report, column 2403W.

Railways

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive on the East Coast main line franchise.

Derek Twigg: holding answer 27 March 2006
	The Secretary of State has had no recent meetings with theScottish Executive on the East Coast Main Line franchise.

Railways

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the likelyimpact of EU Directive 2004/49/EC on heritage railways; and if he will make a statement.

Derek Twigg: holding answer 27 March 2006
	I laid before Parliament on 17 March 2006 the proposed Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations (ROGS) which implement the safety management aspects of EU Directive 2004/49/EC. An explanatory memorandum, transposition note and regulatory impact assessment for all sectors of the railway, including heritage railways, accompany the proposed regulations. A copy has been placed in theHouse Library.

Railways

Si�n James: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how regularly inspections are made by HM Railway Inspectorate of fencing along the Swansea Relief line in Morriston; and whether recent recommendations have been made for action by Network Rail as a result of such inspections.

Derek Twigg: The Health and Safety Executive's HM Railway Inspectorate (HMRI) has no programme for the regular inspection of fencing in the Morriston area of Swansea and has made no recommendations to Network Rail about fencing in this area. However, HMRI would expect Network Rail's risk assessment to consider the maintenance of fencing as a means of reducing the risks associated with trespass.

Railways

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which rail operators are required under their franchise to pay a premium to Government on profits above a threshold; how many payments have been paid to the Government under these requirements; and by which operators such payments were made.

Derek Twigg: holding answer 20 March 2006
	The Department for Transport currently manages 21 franchise agreements. The following 13 operators are required to pay a premium on profits above a threshold: Arriva Trains Wales, Central Trains, Chiltern Railways, First Great Western Link, Island Line, Midland Mainline, Silverlink, South West Trains, Southern, Thameslink, Transpennine Express, WAGN and Wessex Trains.
	Such premiums have been received from seven operators: Central Trains, Island Line, Silverlink, South West Trains, Thameslink, WAGN and Wessex Trains.

Railways

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what terms and conditions apply to curtailment of the contract for the rail regulator.

Derek Twigg: Under the terms of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003, a regulatory board superseded the post of rail regulator on 5 July 2004. The Office of Rail Regulation consists of a chairman and at least four other members appointed by the Secretary of State.
	The chairman or another member may not be appointed for a term of more than five years (but may be reappointed), may resign by notice in writing to the Secretary of State and shall hold and vacate office in accordance with the terms of his appointment.
	The Secretary of State may dismiss a member of the office by notice in writing on the grounds that the member:
	(a) has been absent from meetings of the office without permission of the office during a period of more than three months,
	(b) has a financial or other personal interest which is likely to influence the performance of his functions as a member,
	(c) is the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order (or interim order),
	(d) has had his estate sequestrated in Scotland or, under Scots law, has made a composition or arrangement with, or granted a trust deed for, his creditors,
	(e) has misbehaved, or
	(f) is unable, unfit or unwilling to perform his functions as a member.

Railways

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much subsidy his Department has paid to (a) the St. Ives Bay Line, (b) the Tamar Valley Line, (c) the St. Albans Abbey Branch, (d) the Grantham-Skegness Line, (e) the Penistone Line, and (f) the Esk Valley Line in each of the last five years.

Derek Twigg: Where services are subsidised as part of a franchise, the subsidy is not broken down on a line-by-line basis. The information is therefore not available in the form requested.

Railways

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much has been spent on marketing strategies by his Department to promote increased passenger volume on (a) the St. Ives Bay Line, (b) the Looe Valley Line, (c) the Tamar Valley Line (Plymouth-Gunnislake), (d) the St. Albans Abbey Branch, (e) the Grantham-Skegness Line, (f) the Penistone Line and (g) the Esk Valley Line in each of the last five years.

Derek Twigg: The marketing of railway services is the responsibility of train operating companies. The Department does not therefore hold information on spending in this area.

Railways

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to reduce rail journey times between Polegate and Lewes and London.

Derek Twigg: The Brighton Main Line Route Utilisation Strategy, recently published, proposed that rail journey times from East Sussex to London would be improved by means of eliminating the practice of splitting and joining trains at Haywards Heath. A programme for implementation of the RUS recommendations is now being prepared.

Railways

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what rules apply to the provision of air conditioning on new railway rolling stock.

Derek Twigg: There is no requirement to fit air conditioning on trains. The general requirements for ventilation of passenger areas and cabs on trains are covered in part 2f, sections 192 to 197 of the Railway Safety Principles and Guidelines published by Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate.
	If air conditioning equipment is fitted, there are standards which ensure that, in an emergency, adequate ventilation is provided and, should a fire occur, there is the opportunity to evacuate the vehicle safely. These are set out in the Association of Train Operating Companies' Good Practice Guides 003 and 004 and in standards GM RT 2120 (a Railway Group Standard) and AV/ST 9002 (an Association of Train Operating Companies standard).

Railways

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to reduce electricity consumption of new railway rolling stock.

Derek Twigg: The Department is taking forward a range of initiatives to reduce electricity consumptionand energy consumption more generallyfrom new rolling stock. These include enabling the wider use of regenerative braking on electric trains, which can offer electricity consumption savings of around 20 per cent., and working with the manufacturers and operators to trial hybrid train technology. The Department is also working with the rail industry to identify measures to reduce the weight of new trains which has a key impact on energy consumption.

Road Building

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list each motorway and trunk road building project undertaken since 1997; and what the (a) tender cost and (b) outturn cost was in each case.

Stephen Ladyman: A table listing works tender cost against works outturn cost for each publicly funded major project completed, since 1997 has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

Road Congestion

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what mechanisms are in place to measure congestion on the road network; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: Information on congestion data sources, indicators and targets is contained in the document Congestion on the strategic road network: 200405 target baseline figure and methodology at www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_transstats/documents/downloadable/dft_transstats_611157.pdf and Technical Notes for Spending Review 2004 PSA Targets at www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_about/documents/pdf/dft_about_pdf_030578.pdf (sections PSA Target 1 and PSA Target 4). For the target on urban congestion (PSA 4) the Technical Note is provisional and we expect to set final targets in July 2006.

Road Humps

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research he has conducted on the impact on road casualties of the removal of road humps.

Stephen Ladyman: The Department has not conducted any specific research into the impact on road casualties of the removal of road humps. However, research does show road humps can achieve significant reductions in vehicle speeds, and that a 1 mph reduction in average speed can reduce accident risk by 5 per cent.

Road Humps

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will commission research into the cost of removing all road humps in England.

Stephen Ladyman: No.

Road Improvement Costs

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake) of 19 December 2005, Official Report, columns 23182319W, on road improvement costs, how much compensation has been paid under part 1 of the Land Compensation Act 1973 in each case; and what other costs in each case have been incurred by the Highways Agency which are not paid to the scheme contractor.

Stephen Ladyman: The latest agreed budget costs for schemes in the TPI, represent the current approved estimate of the full outturn costs and include land acquisition and compensation, VAT and the cost of statutory undertaker diversions in addition to payments to the contractor/designer.
	No compensation has yet been paid under part 1 of the Land Compensation Act 1973, in relation to any of the projects listed. This is because such compensation can only be claimed from one year after road opening, and none of the schemes listed have reached this stage.

Transport (East Croydon)

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to improve network capacity around East Croydon.

Derek Twigg: Future plans for network enhancements will be determined in the High Level Output Specification for the railway to be published in summer 2007. Network Rail is also about to commence the South London Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS) which will inform this process and investment decisions.
	Additional passenger carrying capacity in the Croydon area is being progressed as part of the implementation of the Brighton Mainline RUS and as part of other projects such as the East London line extension to West Croydon.

Transport Forecasts

Paul Rowen: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if his Department will take steps against planners and forecasters who consistently and foreseeably produce erroneous transport forecasts; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: The forecasts used to establish the design and the value for money of transport schemes are made by the sponsors of the schemes following guidance provided by the Department. We monitor the accuracy of transport forecasts and issue guidance to address factors which lead to inaccurate forecasts. The forecasts supporting bids for funding are scrutinised carefully by the Department. Those which do not follow the Department's guidelines or which appear to be biased are routinely challenged, leading to revisions in the analysis before funding is agreed.

Vehicle and Operator Services Agency

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many Vehicle and Operator Services Agency test stations are owned by the Government; what the location of each station is; how many tests each conducted in the last 12 months; and what the estimated value of each test station is.

Stephen Ladyman: The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency owns 68 testing stations by way of freehold ownership, 19 by way of long ground leases and two by way of short ground leases.
	A table has been placed in the Libraries of the House which gives the information requested for each testing station operated by VOSA in the last financial year for which records are available.

MINISTER FOR WOMEN

Human Trafficking

Lynda Waltho: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what discussions she has had with the Home Secretary about improving the support and assistance given to the victims of trafficking who agree to help the authorities in a prosecution case against those who trafficked them.

Meg Munn: As a Member of the Ministerial Group on Human Trafficking, I work closely with Home Office colleagues to ensure that provision for victims is sensitive to women's needs.
	The UK is sympathetic to the needs of victims of trafficking. The POPPY Scheme already provides a supporting and protective environment in which victims can receive care and support while deciding whether to assist the authorities.
	We propose to increase the geographical coverage of support services for victims and introduce support at varying levels of intensity according to individual need. We will use the evaluation of the POPPY scheme and the responses to the consultation on the proposed UK Action Plan on human trafficking to inform our decisions on the nature and scope of future support.

Human Trafficking

Lynda Waltho: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what discussions she has had with the Home Secretary about the number of victims of trafficking who have been brought into the United Kingdom to be sold into the vice trade.

Meg Munn: As a Member of the Ministerial Group on Human Trafficking, I work closely with Home Office colleagues to ensure that provision for victims is sensitive to women's needs.
	We do not have the evidence base to enable us to estimate the number of trafficking victims brought into the UK to be sold into the vice trade. We are seeking more evidence of all human trafficking, including trafficking for sexual exploitation, as part of our current consultation on the proposed UK Action Plan on human trafficking. In that consultation, we state that we will publish research into the harms caused by organised immigration crime, including trafficking. This research will provide a better understanding of the trafficking problem faced in the UK and will be updated annually. This year we will commence a scoping exercise focused on trafficking and the off-street prostitution market.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Arms Exports

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what Government policy is on the marking and traceability of small arms and light weapons.

Kim Howells: I have been asked to reply.
	The UK remains committed to international criteria on marking and tracing of small arms and light weapons (SALW). This is key to tackling the problem of illicit trade in SALW. The UK played a lead role formulating a politically binding UN instrument on the marking and tracing of SALW that was finally adopted in June 2005. We continue to work towards making this instrument legally binding. The UK is fully compliant with strict EU marking and tracing standards.

Clearskies Programme

Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the reasons were for the decision to withdraw the Clearskies grant programme; and if he will make a statement on the low carbon building plan that is due to replace it.

Malcolm Wicks: The Clearskies programme was originally a 3-year programme and was extended with extra funding for a further year to finish in March 2006. It has been completed rather than being withdrawn.
	The Renewables Innovation Review (Feb 2004) recommended that the best way to support the installation of micro generation technologies would be through a technology blind low carbon buildings programme. The new low carbon buildings programme, which will start in April this year, will thus supersede both the Clearskies and Photovoltaics demonstration programmes. It will continue to offer grants for the installation of renewable technologies to both householders and larger organisations.
	The new programme will seek to take a more holistic approach to energy consumption in buildings and will focus on energy efficiency measures as well as the installation of renewable technologies.

Consumer Direct

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much his Department allocated to Consumer Direct across all regions in each year from 200405 to 200607; and what estimate he has made of the figure for 200708.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The total funding allocation for Consumer Direct over the period 1 April 2004 to 31 March 2008 is as follows:
	
		
			   million 
		
		
			 200405 (7)12.5 
			 200506 (8)18.3 
			 200607 (8)19.0 
			 200709 (8)19.0 
		
	
	(7)Actual
	(8)Forecast

Energy Policy

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much capital grant his Department spent on all micro renewables in (a) 2003, (b) 2004 and (c) 2005.

Malcolm Wicks: Under the grants support programmes Clear Skies and the Photovoltaics Demonstration Programmes the following has been spent.
	
		
			 Financial year  
		
		
			 200203 509,000 
			 200304 3,101,771 
			 200405 8,502,602 
			 200506 9,448,551

Energy Suppliers (Disputes)

Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made towards the final establishment of an alternative disputes resolution body to enable consumers to pursue disputes with energy suppliers.

Malcolm Wicks: In July 2005, the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, which is responsible for the regulation of gas and electricity supply, instructed gas and electricity suppliers to establish, within a year, an independent body to deal with billing disputes that had not been resolved by standard complaints processes. Gas and electricity suppliers continue to work towards the establishment of such a body in July 2006, and are in discussion with the Office of the Telecommunications Ombudsman (OTELO) with a view to its providing this service under contract.

Heat and Power Field Trials

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the November 2005 Carbon Trust preliminary report on the Trust's micro-combined heat and power field trials; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 23 March 2006
	The Carbon Trust's preliminary report on micro-combined heat and power provides interim results on extensive field trials, which are yet to complete. We are awaiting the final conclusions which should help to develop understanding on the low carbon potential of micro-combined heat and power.

iTrips

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on the use of iTrips and similar devices; and if he will make a statement.

Alun Michael: I have received no representations on the use of iTrips and similar devices.

iTrips

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consideration he has given to the exemption of iTrips and similar devices from the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949; and if he will make a statement.

Alun Michael: None. Such regulations are the responsibility of the Office of Communications (Ofcom) which is accountable to Parliament rather than Ministers.

Low Carbon Buildings

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Tradeand Industry how much low carbon buildings programme capital grant will be available in the first year of the programme.

Malcolm Wicks: Of the initial budget of 30 million, approximately 11 million will be available for grants across all streams of the programme during the first year of the programme. The scheme will be launched in April on this basis.
	On 23 March the Budget 2006 announced an additional 50 million for the programme. The Department will be considering urgently with Treasury colleagues how this money should be allocated.

Microgeneration

Peter Law: To ask the Secretary of State for Tradeand Industry what assessment he has made of the systems compatibility of large base-load power generation plants with small-scale micro-generation power systems.

Malcolm Wicks: Issues relating to the compatibility of large generating plant and micro-generation are primarily a matter for the UK System Operator, National Grid. However, in 2004, the DTI in conjunction with Ofgem and National Grid established the Electricity Systems Technical Issues Steering Group to investigate the performance of the electricity networks given likely longer term changes in the UK generation portfolio and to ensure that any technical issues that might arise were recognised in good time. The group published an interim report, which can be found at www.dti.gov.uk/renewables/publications_pdfs/estiginterimreportfinal.pdf and is currently working with National Grid to undertake more detailed studies that should be completed late summer 2006.

Package Holidays

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people have been refused insurance claim payments under regulation 15 of the Package Travel, Package Holidays, Package Tours Regulations Act 1992 since they were introduced.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Regulation 15 of the Package Travel, Package Holidays, Package Tours Regulations 1992 places responsibility on package holiday organisers for the satisfactory delivery of the package, including services provided by third party providers (hoteliers etc.), except in the circumstances set out, also in regulation 15. While this liability may not actually be set out in a contract, it is nevertheless implied in each contract for a package holiday. It is not an insurance policy. Consumers who remain dissatisfied having sought recompense from the organiser for failure to deliver the contracted services may have recourse to the civil courts.
	The Government do not maintain statistics of requests to package holiday organisers for compensation, or of cases in the civil courts, relating to these provisions.

Pension Rights (Bankruptcy)

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in the case of (a) insolvency and (b) bankruptcy or liquidation, how workers' pensions rank in priority for payment against payments to (i)shareholders, (ii) tax collecting authorities, (iii) staff, (iv) secured creditors and (v) unsecured creditors; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The distribution of assets in insolvency proceedings follows an order of priority. There are threecategories of creditorsecured, preferential and unsecured. In insolvencies commencing on or after 15 September 2003 (when the Crown gave up its right to claim unpaid taxes preferentially) the only amounts which may be claimed preferentially are amounts due in respect of recent unpaid wages and holiday pay, sums owed in respect of recent unpaid contributions to occupational pension schemes or state scheme premiums, and levies on coal and steel production.
	Any shortfall on the realisation of property subject to a charge and amounts due to employees or pension schemes that is not preferential is unsecured. Generally speaking, unsecured creditors rank equally.
	A return of capital to a shareholder can only be made if all the costs of the insolvency and all of the creditors have been paid in full, including statutory interest on their debts.

Post Office Card Account

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people are using the Post Office card account to receive (a) pensions and (b) other benefits in (i) Lancaster and Wyre and (ii) Lancashire; and how many transactions there were in relation to such payments in each of the last two years.

James Plaskitt: I have been asked to reply.
	Information showing the number of DWP benefit and pension payment accounts paid by direct payment into a Post Office card account for each parliamentary constituency has been placed in the Library.
	The information on the actual number of transactions for payments made into a Post Office card account broken down for (i) Lancaster and Wyre and (ii)Lancashire is not available within DWP.

Renewable Energy

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much his Department has allocated to renewable energy in the last five years.

Malcolm Wicks: The DTI spend on renewable technologies for the five years from 200001 to 200405 is set out in the following table.
	
		DTI new and renewable energy programmeexternal spend for each technology area by financial year from 199091 -- Rounded to nearest thousand
		
			  Spend 
			 Programme area 200001 200102 200203 200304 200405 
		
		
			 Bio Wastes 56,000 13,000 42,000 259,000  
			 Biomass 1,267,000 1,333,000 1,595,000 1,346,000 974,222 
			 Embedded Generation 589,000 776,000 1,424,000 725,000 1,105,640 
			 Fuel Cells 1,410,000 1,249,000 1,200,000 1,701,000 4,907,430 
			 GeothermalAquifers 0 0 0 0 0 
			 GeothermalHot Dry Rocks 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Hydro 60,000 130,000 200,000 85,000 0 
			 Solar 1,264,000 1,522,000 4,485,000 3,131,000 1,970,340 
			 Tidal 27,000 305,000 1,996,000 2,914,000 1,268,530 
			 Wave 331,000 662,000 748,000 2,104,000  
			 Wind 913,000 1,248,000 1,428,000 1,395,000 1,459,600 
			 Total 5,917,000 7,238,000 13,118,000 13,660,000 11,685,762 
		
	
	Notes:
	1.From 200001, figures do not include spend on contracts placed direct by DTI.
	2.For 200405, figures in italic show a combined spend for the two areas.
	3.It has not been possible to collate expenditure on oil and gas research in the time available.
	
		
		
			 DTI capital grant programmes 200203 200304 200405 Total 
		
		
			 Biomass (DTI and Lottery spend)  10,000 1,913,000 1,923,000 
			 Offshore Wind Capital Grants  0 15,000,000 15,000,000 
			 Clear Skies Community Renewables 200,000 1,387,000 2,413,000 3,800,000 
			 Major PV Demo Programme 960,000 2,880,000 6,450,000 9,330,000 
			 Grand total 1,160,000 4,277,000 25,776,000 30,053,000

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

EU Hazardous Substances Directive

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on exempting (a) repair of organs and (b) construction of new organs from the implementation of the EU Directive on restrictions on hazardous substances.

David Lammy: None. However, my officials are keeping in close touch with the Department of Trade and Industry officials who are leading on these issues.

Schools Olympics

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will ensure that one of the annual Schools Olympics is held in Wales.

Richard Caborn: The UK School Games will form an annual part of the preparations leading up to the Olympic Games in 2012, with the first event being staged in September 2006 in Glasgow.
	It is our intention that future events are held in each of the home nations and we will announce further plans once they have been finalised.

Tote

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 
	(1)  whether it is her intention to sell the Tote to a horse racing trust or similar horse racing body;
	(2)  what steps she is taking to ensure that the horseracing industry will continue to benefit from profits made by the Tote when she sells that organisation;
	(3)  what discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer about the sale of the Tote.

Richard Caborn: The Government remain committed to selling the Tote to a racing trust. I believe that this is the best way of ensuring that horseracing continues to receive benefit from the Tote.
	My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State regularly discusses a range of issues with colleagues in other departments.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Corruption

Sally Keeble: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate his Department has made of the proportion of aid from the UK that has been lost to corruption in each of the last three financial years (a) under the overall budget, (b) in sub-Saharan Africa and (c) in budget support.

Hilary Benn: I refer my hon. Friend to the response I gave to the hon. Member for St. Albans (Anne Main) on 16 March 2006, Official Report, columns 242526W.
	DFID reports annually to the Treasury all cases of fraud or theft by staff or contractors. DFID does not otherwise estimate the loss of aid funds to corruption but the Department has recently established a Fraud Response Unit to ensure that all cases of reported fraud and corruption are investigated and appropriate action taken to recover any losses.
	DFID requires robust approval, procurement, risk management and reporting arrangements to ensure aid is spent only for the purpose intended, whether funds are managed by DFID or other development partners. We are working with many partner governments to improve their own systems to combat corruption. All aid is subject to independent audit and the National Audit Office has consistently given an unqualified opinion on DFID's accounts.

Diamorphine

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the availability of diamorphine for medicinal purposes in developing countries.

Gareth Thomas: The International Narcotics Control Board consider that the global supply of medicinal opiates, including diamorphine (heroin) is at levels well in excess of use. There are, however, constraints to demand which are related to countries' own policy restrictions in the use of such drugs. At present diamorphine is subject to tight restrictions on supply and use due to widespread abuse and the capacity to induce dependency. It is not on the WHO Essential Drug list although alternative drugs such as morphine, which are as effective, are included in the list and meet the need for a drug for alleviation of severe pain, particularly in palliative care. This does not preclude counties from procuring and using the drug.
	Countries look to the World Health Organization for guidance on the use of such drugs. A number of WHO expert groups will meet in coming months to address issues around improving palliative care, dealing with drug dependency and to revise the essential drug list. The outcome of their deliberations may influence the availability and use of diamorphine for medicinal purposes in developing countries.
	DFID normally supports health programmes in developing countries through contributions to the health budget and decisions on which medicines to procure are the responsibility of the Ministry of Health.

EU Agricultural Policies

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the impact of EU agricultural policies on people in developing countries; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave to the hon. Member for Windsor (Adam Afriyie) on 1 February 2006, Official Report, column 484W.

Lesotho

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development why Lesotho was not included in the final round of countries to be considered for debt cancellation.

Gareth Thomas: An increased number of countries have become eligible for the heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC) initiative on the basis of their debt burdens at the end of 2004. They must now begin to make progress through the initiative by the end of 2006 in order to continue to be eligible.
	There are two requirements to be eligible for HIPC status:
	1.Countries must be eligible to receive assistance only from the most concessional lending arm of the World Bank and the International Development Association (IDA). IDA countries are defined as having a gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of $965 or less.
	2.A country's debt burden must be considered unsustainable in comparison to its revenue and exports.
	Lesotho is an IDA only borrower, but does not meet the criteria defining unsustainable debt.
	Lesotho could however qualify for the UK's multilateral debt relief initiative (MDRI) providing debt relief to both HIPC and low-income countries (LIC). Under this initiative, the UK pays its share (10 per cent.) of the debt service costs to the World Bank (IDA loans) and African Development Fund debt, of non-HIPC, low-income countries like Lesotho. To qualify for reliefunder this initiative, countries are required to demonstrate robust public financial management systems to ensure the savings are used for poverty reduction. We are using poverty reduction support credits (PRSC) as a proxy measure of this.
	Lesotho is discussing the possibility of a PRSC with the World Bank. DFID is also providing support to Lesotho to improve its financial management systems in order to help it qualify for MDRI.
	Lesotho will benefit indirectly from the G8 multilateral debt relief initiative (MDRI). The G8 MDRI will result in HIPCs receiving full debt cancellation of remaining debts to the World Bank (IDA loans), the African Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Donor support for this will be allocated by these institutions to all poor countries (including non-HIPCs), and therefore Lesotho.

Palestinian Territories

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the role of private sector initiatives as a means of sustaining international aid to the Palestinian territories.

Hilary Benn: I refer my hon. Friend to the response I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, South (Mr. Cunningham) on 2 March 2006, Official Report, column 881W.

Tsunami

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of aid distribution to those areas affected by the December 2004 tsunami, with particular reference to whether it has been distributed without reference to religious, political or other such considerations.

Gareth Thomas: We have monitored the distribution of DFID aid to those affected by the December 2004 tsunami. We did learn of some problems in India, where there was some reluctance by the authorities to allow aid to reach certain castes. This was overcome through representations made to the authorities. More recently, however, we have seen the January 2006 report of a five-country study by a group of international charities reporting internal discrimination. Although we manage and monitor DFID humanitarian aid very closely and have found no evidence of discrimination in the distribution of DFID aid in tsunami-affected countries, we take such reporting seriously and are prepared both to discuss this with the international charities and to intervene again, if necessary, with the national authorities.
	DFID has provided 1.5 million to the North East Provincial Council Secretariat (NEPC) in partnership with the Governments of Germany and Sri Lanka to improve its capacity to deliver aid and to help ensure that Tamil areas received improved access to development assistance. DFID also channelled 3 million through the United Nations Development Programme for the 'UN Recovery Framework for Post-Tsunami Rehabilitation and Reconstruction' which is helping to ensure that the needs of socially-excluded groups are met during recovery.
	A group of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), jointly funded by DFID and International NGOs, initiated a Social Equity Audit process in response to claims that some Dalits in India and other groups were being excluded from some post tsunami humanitarian efforts. A group of independent auditors have been trained by experts identified by the International NGOs. The International NGOs will submit their programmes to these auditors to assess how inclusive their post tsunami activities have been in order to improve their programmes and identify ways to make their humanitarian efforts more inclusive in the future. TheUnited Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Children's Fund have signed up to the initiative and a Social Equity auditing manual is likely to be produced which DFID will disseminate to NGOs and agencies.

Uganda

Gary Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what resources his Department has allocated to assisting the Government of Uganda to carry out a review of its armed forces; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: Human security is essential to help reduce poverty. At the same time it is important for governments to strike the right balance between security expenditure and expenditure on areas such as education and health.
	DFID has provided approximately 500,000 between December 2001 and December 2005 to help the Ugandan Ministry of Defence carry out Uganda's first strategic Defence Review. The aim of the Defence Review is to make the Uganda People's Defence Force more professional and accountable within the resources available for defence expenditure. In particular, the review has systematically assessed Uganda's security needs and identified the reforms required to address these needs most cost effectively. Its implementation will ensure that Uganda's defence budget is appropriate and affordable in the context of other competing priorities.
	Already the review has been the basis for the development of a Defence Corporate Plan that prioritises expenditure and includes indicators which can be used to monitor performance for example in procurement, financial management and management of human resources. The Defence Review and the Corporate Plan provide a basis for more effective dialogue between Government and development partners about Uganda's defence expenditure.

CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Legal Aid (Support Services)

Diane Abbott: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will make a statement on the Legal Services Commission's decision to end legal aid funding to specialist support services, with particular reference to the recent report of the Constitutional Affairs Committee.

Harriet Harman: The Legal Services Commission published its five-year strategy for the Community Legal Service on 23 March 2006. They will be consulting on proposals on the future of the specialist support initiative in line with that strategy. We will be responding shortly to the Select Committee Report.

House of Lords Reform

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the timetable is for establishing the Joint Committee to consider reform of the House of Lords.

Bridget Prentice: The Government want to create a reformed upper chamber that is effective, legitimate and more representative without challenging the primacy of the House of Commons. We are committed to establishing a Joint Committee of the two Houses to look at the powers of the House of Lords and I trust we shall be able to proceed with the establishment of the Joint Committee as soon as possible.

Domestic Violence Courts

John Smith: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will make a statement on the introduction of specialist domestic violence courts.

Harriet Harman: By 1 April 2006, the Government's Specialist Domestic Violence Court programme will be supporting 25 specialist domestic violence court systems across England and Wales. These are not just about the courthouse or the practices of the court but are about a multi-agency approach which makes the court system and the CJS part of a community wide response to domestic violence.

Constituency Sizes (Equalisation)

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will make a statement on Government policy on the equalisation of the size of constituencies.

Bridget Prentice: The independent Parliamentary Boundary Commissions review parliamentary boundaries every 812 years. Although the electoral quota is important, it is necessary to take other factors into account, such as geographical and community issues. The Parliamentary Boundary Commissions considers all these factors when conducting their review.

New Court House (Colchester)

Bob Russell: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will make a statement on progress with the proposed new court house at Colchester.

Harriet Harman: The project for a new court house at Colchester continues. With the advent of Her Majesty's Court Service we have considered all existing projects carefully and Colchester remains a good fit with our objectives for the justice system. We continue to move forward with this scheme.

Carter Review

Keith Vaz: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs on what evidence the Carter Review's findings that larger firms are more efficient than smaller firms was based.

Harriet Harman: Lord Carter's final report will be published later this spring. The review's research into the efficiency of firms is ongoing and will be published in due course.

Carter Review

Keith Vaz: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what assessment her Department has made of the likely effect of Lord Carter's proposals on legal aid on (a) black and minority ethnic-owned legal firms and (b) ethnic minority communities.

Harriet Harman: Lord Carter's review is independent of Government and is due to be published in late spring 2006. No detailed assessment of the likely effect of Lord Carter's proposals can be provided until then.
	The terms of reference for Lord Carter's review require that
	any plan for procurement reform should encourage a diverse and competitive market of lawyers.
	Furthermore, Lord Carter's interim reportin acknowledging that assistance will be needed to ensure that smaller firms are able to adapt to a new procurement regimestates that
	this [support] will be particularly important in respect of black and minority ethnic firms, to ensure that suppliers continue to reflect the diversity of the communities that they serve.

Citizens Advice Bureau

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs 
	(1)  what funding has been provided to the Citizens Advice Bureau by (a) central and (b) local government in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available;
	(2)  if she will make a statement on the future funding of the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Phil Woolas: I have been asked to reply.
	Central government does not fund individual Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB)each local CAB is a separate independent charity funded usually by local authorities, charitable trusts or other sources. I do not propose that central government should be directly funding local advice centres on the future. These services are best provided in a way that meets the needs of the local community. Any decision about grant funding for any particular CAB will therefore be for the relevant local authority to make.

Clinical Negligence (Legal Aid)

John Baron: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what sums are due to be reimbursed to the Legal Services Commission in respect of legally-aided clinical negligence litigation in accordance with section 16 of the Legal Aid Act 1988 and sections 10 and 11 of the Access to Justice Act 1999; and if she will make a statement.

Harriet Harman: The information requested is not available.

Consultancy Fees

Keith Vaz: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs which (a) companies and (b) individuals were in receipt of consultancy fees from her Department in the last financial year.

Harriet Harman: A list of the consultancy companies and individuals that received consultancy fees in 200405 is as follows.
	Companies used by DCA/court service for provision of consultancy 200405
	Adult Learning Inspectorate
	Alexander Cameron Ltd
	Anagram
	Analogue
	Ask Europe PLC
	Assessment and Development Consultancy
	BTA Consulting
	BTF Associates
	Capita Resourcing
	Chesterton
	CIMTECH
	Communication Engagement and Change Ltd
	Computer Sciences Corporation
	Cornwell Management Consultants
	Craigforth
	Deloitte MCS Ltd
	Dennis Battle Associates
	Design Systems Technology Ltd
	Digital Public
	DTZ Debenhan Tie Leung
	Elborough Consulting/TSO Consulting
	Enodian Ltd
	Ernst and Young LLP
	Gartner UK Ltd
	GIG Ltd
	Haygarth Group
	Hedra
	Norwood Safety Limited
	Hudson Global Resources
	Human Assets Ltd
	Hurd Rolland
	llogic Ventures
	Insight Consulting Ltd
	IPPR Consulting Ltd
	Issan Ghazni Partnership
	JMH Consultancy
	KPMG
	Largos Ltd
	Lexicon Ltd
	Logica CMC UK Ltd
	Maitland Consultancy
	Mandurai Ltd
	Methods Consulting
	MORI
	Mouchel Consulting Limited
	NCC Services Ltd
	ORC International
	PA
	Parity Resources
	Penna
	PricewaterhouseCoopers
	Punter Southall
	Rick Evans Ltd
	Synopsis Communication Consulting Limited
	The Ingram Partnership
	Towers Perrin
	Tribal MPC
	UCL Consultants
	Venn Group Ltd
	VP Treen and Associates
	Watson Associates
	Wheelers
	Individuals used by DCA/court service for provision of consultancy 200405
	Rene Caroyal
	David Coates
	Eleri Evans
	John Garnett
	Cleo Nicolau
	Reshan Sandhu
	Professor Susskind
	Barry Sutlieff

Homeless People (Legal Services)

Sally Keeble: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what steps she is taking to improve access to specialist legal services for homeless people.

Harriet Harman: The Legal Services Commission published its strategy for the Community Legal Service on 23 March, which sets out how the Commission will deliver specialist legal services in the future. It has also increased the number of people receiving specialist legal services this year through the roll out of the Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme and the increase in the capacity of housing contracts.

Kelly Inquiry

Norman Baker: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how much Lord Hutton received in payment for conducting the inquiry into the death of Dr. David Kelly.

Harriet Harman: Lord Hutton received his salary as a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary until he retired on 11 January 2004, when he received his pension. He did not receive additional payment for the inquiry.

Kelly Inquiry

Norman Baker: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what factors led to the decision to appoint Lord Hutton to head the inquiry into Dr. David Kelly's death; who took that decision; and who was consulted upon it.

Harriet Harman: I will reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
	Substantive answer from Harriet Harman to Norman Baker:
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer given in response to PQ152676 to the hon. Member for Southend, West (Mr. Amess) on 5 February 2004, Official Report, column 1077W.

Legal Aid

John Leech: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how much was paid in legal aid in the last 12 months for which figures are available in cases requiring family members as defined under section 105 of the Children Act 1989 (a) to seek leave in order to apply for a residence order or a special guardianship order and (b) who have been caring for a child for at least 12 of the previous 36 months to seek leave in order to apply for a residence order or special guardianship order.

Harriet Harman: This information is not held centrally and can be provided only at a disproportionate cost.

Legal Aid

Keith Vaz: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what assistance is planned to be given to small firms to help them adapt to legal aid reforms.

Harriet Harman: Lord Carter of Cole's interim report on Criminal Defence Services, published on 9 February, set out a phased transition towards a market-based approach, during which support would be offered to help suppliers either restructure their business or consolidate. This will enable smaller firms to participate in the new procurement regime by increasing their joint capacity, allowing them to benefit from efficiency savings and increase profits. Lord Carter's final report is expected later this spring and it will contain his final recommendations about the nature of support to be provided.

Legal Services Commission

Keith Vaz: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs when the minority impact assessment report commissioned by the Legal Services Commission will be published.

Harriet Harman: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for North-East Hertfordshire (Mr. Heald) on 20 March 2006, Official Report, column75W. The report to which the hon. Member refers has not yet been finalised. The Legal Services Commission intends to publish it in due course.

Residence/Guardianship Orders

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many people have sought leave to apply for (a) a residence order and (b) a special guardianship order in the last three months for which figures are available; and how many were family members as defined under section 105 of the Children Act 1989.

Harriet Harman: Statistical information on the number of applications for leave to apply for a residence or a special guardianship order is not collected centrally and could be obtained only at a disproportionate cost.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

2012 Olympics

Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what support for the London 2012 Olympic bid her Department provided; and what subsequent action her Department has taken to ensure the delivery of the Games.

Jacqui Smith: Before the Bid, DfES worked with London 2012 to develop Theme 17.3 'Educational programmes: promoting the Olympic Ideal' in the Candidate File (the Bid document), and made the following commitments:
	(i) To include a new Olympic dimension in the London Student Pledge;
	(ii) To develop an Olympic language mentoring programme in secondary schools;
	(iii) To develop a bespoke Olympic strand for the DfES Global Gateway (which supports the development of international school links);
	(iv) To launch a 'Young Ambassadors' scheme of enrichment and development activities for young people from deprived areas of the UK to equip participants to serve as volunteers for the Games;
	(v) To support the development of the London Olympic Institute by London 2012's successor body, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG);
	(vi) To support the development of the 'Olympic Friend-Ship' by LOCOG.
	Since the, DfES has worked closely with partners in the Skills Alliance to ensure that the wide range of skills required to deliver a successful Games are available. In particular, the Department has been working with the Learning and Skills Council, the Sector Skills Development Agency and Sector Skills Councils, to ensure that they are working closely with key organisations, such as the London Development Agency, through the new London Employability and Skills Taskforce that has been established to meet skills needs in London and contribute to a longer-term skills legacy.
	The Department is also working with the LOCOG to support their work on a strategy for the recruitment, training and accreditation of volunteers for the Games.
	The wider programme of work that DfES is currently developing to maximise the benefits of the Games for young people and learners will also help meet LOCOG's aim of delivering a Games that will inspire young people and propagate the Olympic Ideals.

Adult Education

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of the Learning and Skills Council's total budget for adult learning was spent on first-step learning in the academic year (a) 200203, (b) 200304 and (c) 200405.

Bill Rammell: holding answer 16 March 2006
	I have overall responsibility for the LSC; however, the operations of the LSC are managed and overseen by Mark Haysom, the LSC's chief executive. The annual grant letter sets the overall LSC budget for the year; and the annual accounts includes a breakdown of adult programme expenditure, including further education, and PCDL (ACL). Allocations below these levels including to first-steps learning and expenditure by academic years, are a matter for the LSC. I therefore have asked Mark Haysom, who has written to my hon. Friend with further information and a copy of his reply has been placed in the House Library.
	The following table shows the LSC adult programme spend from the LSC for the financial years (a) 200203, (b) 200304 and (c) 200405 taken for the LSC annual accounts.
	
		
			  Adult programme expenditure () 
		
		
			 200203 2,427,229 
			 200304 2,888,486 
			 200405 2,998,735 
		
	
	Letter from Mark Haysom, dated 23 March 2006
	Adult Learning and First Step Provision
	I write with in response to your recent Parliamentary Question, regarding Adult Learning.
	First-step learning is designed to introduce, or re-introduce adults back into learning and to provide them with the necessary foundation to progress, where appropriate, to a first full level 2. As such first-step learning may be regarded as all learning activity (including skills for life) at pre-entry and national qualification framework (or equivalent) entry level and level 1.
	However, individuals engage in learning at these levels for a variety of reasons, not just for reasons of first-step activity. The following table therefore identifies only the percentage of LSC adult programme spend on learning below level 2 (in the academic years 2003/04 and 2004/05) since the LSC does not collect data on learning intention.
	
		
			  Percentage of adult programme expenditure () 
		
		
			 2003/04 40.5 
			 2004/05 40.8 
		
	
	I understand that Liz Davis, Executive Director of the LSC in Cheshire and Warrington, has extended a number of invitations over the past year or so to meet with her. While I understand that you are extremely busy may I strongly recommend that you meet with Liz at your earliest convenience to discuss these issues and some of the specific initiatives that are taking place within your constituency?
	I understand from Liz that the LSC and Warrington Borough Council are working together to develop a strategic vision for adult provision across Warrington and to ensure joint planning for the future.
	I hope this is helpful.

A-Levels

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what percentage of (a) A-level candidates and (b) all 18-year-olds in England achieved two or more grades A to E at A-level in (i) 2004 and (ii)2005;
	(2)  what proportion of candidates in England achieved passes at grades A* to C at GCSE in at least five subjects including English and mathematics in (a) 2004 and (b) 2005.

Jacqui Smith: The figures requested are shown in the following tables.
	
		
			  200405 200304 
		
		
			 Percentage of 17-year-olds(9)(5509030010) achieving two or more GCE/VCE A-level passes 34.3 34.4 
			 Percentage of 16 to 18-year-old(10) candidates(11) achieving two or more GCE/VCE A-level passes 93.2 92.0 
		
	
	(9)Based on estimates provided by the Government Actuary's Department.
	(10)Age at start of academic year, i.e. 31 August.
	(11)A candidate is a student who has attempted at least one GCE A-level, VCE A-level or VCE Double Award in summer of the academic year.
	
		
			  200405(13) 200304(13) 
		
		
			 Number of 15-year-old pupils(12) 636,796 643,560 
			 Percentage achieving 5 or more grades A*-C at GCSE or equivalent including English and mathematics GCSE A*-C 44.3 42.6 
		
	
	(12)Age at start of academic year, i.e. 31 August.
	(13)Includes attempts and achievements by these pupils in previous academic years.

Child Maintenance Payments

Brooks Newmark: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether her Department has made an assessment of the feasibility of including child maintenance payments in the household income figure used to calculate eligibility for (a) maintenance grant, (b) special support grant, (c) higher education grant and (d) the extra portion of the maintenance loan; and if she will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: Child maintenance payments were included in the household income for the purposes of the student support income assessment up to and including the 2004/05 academic year. For 2005/06, the treatment of maintenance payments has been aligned with other Government Department income assessments, in particular the income assessment for child tax credit, so that maintenance payments are no longer included. We have not made an assessment of the feasibility of changing back to the earlier system, and have no current plans to do so.

Classroom Behaviour

Nick Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assistance her Department is giving to schools in the constituency of Ruislip-Northwood to promote good behaviour in the classroom.

Jacqui Smith: Our Secondary Strategy gives all secondary schools in Hillingdon access to high-quality behaviour management training materials and support from a DfES-funded behaviour management consultant. Our Primary Strategy is giving all primary schools access to high-quality training and curriculum materials to improve children's social, emotional and behavioural skills. In addition:
	our Excellence in Cities (EiC) programme provides Hillingdon with extra funding (just over 1.6 million this year) in order to fund various strands of work, including Learning Mentors and Learning Support Units, in schools in the Hillingdon Excellence Cluster; and
	our Behaviour Improvement Programme provides the Hillingdon Excellence Cluster with further additional funding (728,000 this year) to support selected schools facing the greatest behaviour challenges.
	The funding related to both these programmes will continue in 200607.

Climate Change

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will introduce the subject of climate change into the National Curriculum.

Jacqui Smith: Through Geography, pupils aged 11 to 14 are taught about weather, climate and environmental change. The Department has funded the Met Office Education Service to produce a climate change CD-ROM for secondary pupils. In Science, pupils aged 14 to 16 are taught about the use of energy and environmental implications. From this September, the Science curriculum will be strengthened to specifically teach about climate change.

Commercial Marketing (Schools)

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what safeguards are in place to ensure children are not exposed to commercial marketing, including brand awareness, through the provision of education materials and facilities where schools are sponsored by private sector organisations.

Jacqui Smith: This is primarily a matter for head teachers and governing bodies. To assist them, in 2001 the Department published guidance entitled 'Commercial activities in schools: Best Practice Principles'. This was aimed at parents, teachers, school governing bodies, LEAs and businesses. Its principal aim was not only to safeguard children from commercial marketing, but to identify best practice and to ensure that commercial objectives were consistent with genuine educational benefits. We plan to review the guidance, with partner organisations, later this year.
	The Specialist Schools Programme requires schools to engage with the private sector and to raise sponsorship; one of the main criteria for eligibility is that sponsorship must be unconditional, i.e. there must be no financial benefit to the sponsor for example in the future purchase of goods, equipment or services.

Contractors

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what criteria she uses to decide whether potential contractors are a bad financial risk.

Bill Rammell: It is departmental procurement policy to consider the assessment of a potential contractor's financial status at the supplier selection or tender evaluation stage and that the assessment is proportional to the financial risks associated with each individual contract. To avoid additional bidding costs, tenderers are only asked to provide sufficient financial information appropriate to an estimate of the level of risk. For higher risk procurements, information is assessed by qualified or part qualified accountants following supplier financial appraisal guidance issued by OGC or other appropriate guidance.
	In terms of general criteria the Department would expect a contractor to be of sufficient size to meet the contract demand and be able to finance any expenditure necessary before invoices are paid by the Department.

Correspondence

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when she will reply to the letter dated 8 February 2006 from the hon. Member for Tamworth about St. Leonard's primary school.

Jacqui Smith: I responded to the hon. Member's letter on 28 February.

Departmental Publications

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many publications her Department has sent to teachers in each year since 1997.

Jacqui Smith: The number of documents sent automatically to all primary and all secondary schools is detailed in the table. Where a document has been sent to all primary and all secondary schools it will appear in the totals for both primary and secondary.
	
		
			  Primary Secondary 
		
		
			 199798 86 85 
			 199899 96 115 
			 19992000 146 164 
			 200001 47 48 
			 200102 55 54 
			 200203 39 43 
			 200304 31 38 
			 200405 0 0 
		
	
	The Department ceased sending publications automatically to schools in England on a phased basis between April and December 2004. Discussions with Head teachers and detailed research showed that schools wanted to be able to choose the printed publications they needed, when they needed them, and to be able to order multiple copies.
	The online ordering system enables schools to choose whether to download electronic copies or order the paper based publications they need at the right time for them and in the multiples they require. This system is linked directly to the fulfilment service and an existing telephone ordering line. A fortnightly email service to schools informs them of new and important publications.
	This has resulted in schools being able to order a wider variety of publications from the Department, putting schools in direct control of what they receive, when they receive it.

Disabled Children

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  how many disabled children, as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, her Department expects to have attended children's centres by April 2007;
	(2)  when the Government plan to issue guidance to children's centres on their duties under the Disability Discrimination Act 2005;
	(3)  how many children's centres have in place an accessibility plan;
	(4)  how many disabled children, as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, aged under five years attending children's centres (a) have a statement of special educational needs and (b) are on early action plans;
	(5)  how many early years professionals employed in children's centres meet the Special Educational Needs Standard set by the Training and Development Agency.

Beverley Hughes: Information is not collected centrally on: how many children's centres have in place an accessibility plan; how many children as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, aged under five years attending children's centres have a statement of special educational needs and are on early years action plans; or how many people employed in children's centres meet the Special Educational Needs Standard set by the Training and Development Agency for Schools.
	Guidance for early years providers setting out their duties under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 is already available and DfES is working with the Council for Disabled Children to produce additional resources for children's centres that will include information about the 2005 duty to promote disability equality. The resources will be available later this year. The DfES Code of Practice on the Provision of Nursery Education Places for Three- and Four-Year Olds, published in February, drew attention to the Disability Rights Commission's Codes of Practice, one of which gives guidance on the new duty.
	Children's centres do not have a duty to have an access plan, but Sure Start has published good practice and training materials on the internet for the early years sector on providing inclusive and accessible services.
	We expect children's centres to offer inclusive services for all young children and their families. Disabled children, alongside all other children under 5 will be able to access the range of services provided through their local centre according to their needs. We issued guidance in November 2005 (Sure Start Children's Centres: Practice Guidance) which describes effective ways of working with disabled children and their families and emphasises the importance of outreach services including Portage.

Examinations

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the practice by internet businesses of charging for essays which can be used by the purchaser for assistance in securing an examination qualification; and if she will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: Last year, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) undertook a detailed analysis of the issues around coursework, including the use of the internet as a research tool, and reported the findings to the Secretary of State. The QCA have appointed Professor Jean Underwood of Nottingham Trent University to advise on measures which might be taken in schools and colleges and by awarding bodies to reduce the risk of plagiarism from internet sources.

Further Education

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many 16 to 19-year-old students studied (a) A-levels and (b) vocational courses full-time at each (i) further education college and (ii) sixth form college in Hampshire in each year since 1997.

Jacqui Smith: The information requested on students in Hampshire local authority can be found in the following tables.
	
		Table 1 (i): Number of candidates(14) attempting GCE A-levels in General FE Colleges in Hampshire
		
			  1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 
		
		
			 Basingstoke College of Technology 51 49 33 24 (15) 17 8 3 0 
			 Farnborough College of Technology 119 110 129 105 69 80 67 76 39 
			 Brockenhurst College 498 579 581 544 541 504 557 633 560 
			 Eastleigh College 51 21 17 6 0 0 0 (15) 0 
			 Fareham College 270 331 301 270 224 192 183 168 106 
			 Cricklade College 241 242 214 214 178 183 126 162 156 
			 Sparsholt College 5 (15) 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 South Downs College 298 255 318 299 310 329 351 413 479 
		
	
	
		Table 1 (ii): Number of candidates(14) attempting GCE A-levels in Sixth Form Colleges in Hampshire
		
			  1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 
		
		
			 Alton College 500 594 479 459 502 503 486 504 592 
			 Totton College 195 211 179 174 201 160 195 171 211 
			 Queen Mary's College 621 609 567 520 560 535 591 601 653 
			 Barton Peveril College 783 773 800 716 740 742 694 752 845 
			 Havant College 518 554 513 524 478 480 520 475 628 
			 Sixth Form College Farnborough 640 649 673 665 728 674 783 877 1,012 
			 St.Vincent College 290 287 273 304 329 314 319 309 354 
			 Peter Symonds College 840 839 843 923 945 855 1,082 1,036 1,147 
		
	
	(14)Aged 16 to 18 at the start of the academic year.
	(15)Not available due to small numbers.
	
		Table 2 (i): Number of candidates(16) attempting Advanced GNVQs/VCE A-Levels(17) in General FE Colleges in Hampshire
		
			  1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 
		
		
			 Basingstoke College of Technology  95 103 86 89 104 81 75 17 
			 Farnborough College of Technology  120 137 110 97 117 97 49 37 
			 Brockenhurst College  133 99 70 142 223 195 186 129 
			 Eastleigh College  95 94 95 60 92 60 29 30 
			 Fareham College  139 109 130 108 104 103 52 0 
			 Cricklade College  34 36 18 27 28 32 32 24 
			 Sparsholt College  0 5 5 (18) (18) 12 0 0 
			 South Downs College  103 104 101 136 146 116 87 118 
		
	
	
		Table 2 (ii): Number of candidates(16) attempting Advanced GNVQs/VCE A-Levels(17)in Sixth Form Colleges in Hampshire
		
			  1997(19) 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 
		
		
			 Alton College  81 74 88 95 102 105 102 95 
			 Totton College  19 20 3 40 44 52 48 53 
			 Queen Mary's College  61 75 64 79 77 102 78 96 
			 Barton Peveril College  62 73 51 98 225 175 177 207 
			 Havant College  32 37 40 34 76 63 52 55 
			 Sixth Form College Farnborough  98 75 86 78 126 144 109 169 
			 St. Vincent College  46 58 67 74 122 146 97 90 
			 Peter Symonds College  66 59 66 53 59 62 72 90 
		
	
	(16)Aged 1618 at the start of the academic year.
	(17)From 1998 to 2001 includes Advanced GNVQs and from 2001 includes VCE A-Levels and Double Awards.
	(18)Not available due to small numbers.
	(19)Data on Advanced GNVQ not collected separately.
	
		Table 3 (i) Number of candidates(20) attempting other advanced vocational qualifications in General FE Colleges in Hampshire
		
			  1997(21) 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 
		
		
			 Basingstoke College of Technology 215 169 150 133 103 135 140 165 267 
			 Farnborough College of Technology 265 47 47 125 116 65 72 113 165 
			 Brockenhurst College 156 32 45 78 64 49 59 90 110 
			 Eastleigh College 149 117 84 73 57 104 104 122 118 
			 Fareham College 101 168 0 85 0 0 0 0 154 
			 Cricklade College 46 31 18 51 33 43 64 67 70 
			 Sparsholt College 45 63 73 86 0 168 189 184 201 
			 South Downs College 217 143 191 184 288 267 279 304 373 
		
	
	
		Table 3 (ii): Number of candidates(20) attempting other advanced vocational qualifications in Sixth Form Colleges in Hampshire
		
			  1997(21) 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 
		
		
			 Alton College 108 29 30 28 31 10 0 0 91 
			 Totton College 32 7 0 9 10 26 21 32 36 
			 Queen Mary's College 67 0 0 11 14 37 0 39 106 
			 Barton Peveril College 52 0 0 0 31 0 0 0 0 
			 Havant College 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Sixth Form College Farnborough 68 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 St. Vincent College 56 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Peter Symonds College 76 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
		
	
	(20)Aged 16 to 18 at the start of the academic year.
	(21)1997 figures include Advanced GNVQs. Data on this qualification was not collected separately prior to 1998.
	
		Table 4 (i): Number of candidates(22) attempting intermediate vocational qualifications in General FE Colleges in Hampshire
		
			  1997(23) 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 
		
		
			 Basingstoke College of Technology 127 103 113 118 112 107 101 103 114 
			 Farnborough College of Technology 93 104 95 121 131 142 127 130 133 
			 Brockenhurst College 120 129 135 104 107 139 137 117 122 
			 Eastleigh College 144 163 86 51 93 99 87 51 100 
			 Fareham College 103 105 0 143 0 0 0 0 133 
			 Cricklade College 31 40 7 37 45 88 58 61 77 
			 Sparsholt College 199 236 197 168 0 167 122 141 162 
			 South Downs College 167 248 333 376 328 297 313 282 297 
		
	
	
		Table 4 (ii): Number of candidates(22) attempting intermediate vocational qualifications in Sixth Form Colleges in Hampshire
		
			  1997(23) 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 
		
		
			 Alton College 82 67 54 64 56 68 41 46 77 
			 Totton College 51 34 53 63 53 96 54 67 70 
			 Queen Mary's College 61 63 67 77 74 94 0 84 104 
			 Barton Peveril College 26 68 0 69 53 72 60 63 67 
			 Havant College 45 28 35 23 0 0 22 0 0 
			 Sixth Form College Farnborough 72 76 55 58 42 60 59 59 50 
			 St. Vincent College 81 79 70 73 103 92 88 85 86 
			 Peter Symonds College 48 41 46 46 43 38 51 34 53 
		
	
	(22)Aged 1618 at the start of the academic year.
	(23)1997 figures include Advanced GNVQs. Data on this qualification was not collected separately prior to 1998.

Learning and Skills Council

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many meetings of the Learning and Skills Council's management group were attended by representatives of other organisations for the purpose of sharing ideas on learning and skills policy and delivery in the last year for which figures are available; and what the names were of the organisations.

Bill Rammell: holding answer 21 March 2006
	The Learning and Skills Council's (LSC) management group is part of its internal management structure and responsible for the day-to-day operation of the LSC. The management group consists of the LSC's nine regional directors and four national group directors, and is chaired by the Chief Executive, Mark Haysom.
	The LSC National Council is responsible for leading the LSC and setting its overarching strategy for post-16 learning and skills. It consists of a chair and 15 members drawn from a wide range of backgrounds, including employers, local government and community organisations. Representatives from other organisations are also regularly invited to meetings of the National Council, to share their knowledge and expertise on a range of topics. Minutes of Council meetings are published on the LSC website (www.lsc.gov.uk).
	Mark Haysom the LSC's Chief Executive has written to my hon. Friend with the information requested and a copy of his reply has been placed in the House Library.
	Letter from Mark Haysom
	I am writing further to your Parliamentary Question in which you asked how many meetings of the Learning and Skills Council's management group were attended by representatives of other organisations for the purpose of sharing ideas on learning and skills policy and delivery in the last year.
	From January 2005 to the present, 5 management group meetings have had attendance from other organisations. The names of attendees, organisations and dates of the meetings are detailed below:
	
		
			 Meeting date Name Organisation 
		
		
			 20 January 2005 Ruth Spellman Investors in People 
			 7 April 2005 Sir Andrew Foster n/a (re: FE Review) 
			 9 June 2005 Sarah Jones University for Industry 
			 12 July 2005 Sir Andrew Foster ChairFE Review 
			 20 January 2006 Caroline Mager/ Andrew Thompson Quality Improvement Agency 
		
	
	I hope this is of assistance.

Post-16 Education

Edward Balls: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many employers in (a) the Wakefield District and (b) Normanton constituency are providing post-16 education; what the national average is for the number of such employers in a (i) district and (ii)constituency area; and what steps are being taken to encourage more employers to offer such education in each area.

Phil Hope: To encourage employers to participate in training, we have established an employer-led training infrastructure that puts their needs centre stage. This is reflected in the design and delivery arrangements of, for example, the new national employer training programme Train To Gain. In Further Education we will be looking at the recommendations of the Foster Report on FE Colleges' responsiveness to local and regional employer needs and will be announcing our plans for the next stage of reform in the spring. Responsibility for the planning and funding of post-16 learning outside Higher Education, however, is the responsibility of the Learning and Skills Council and Mark Haysom, the council's chief executive has written to my hon. Friend with further detailed information and a copy of his letter has been placed in the House Library.
	Letter from Mark Haysom, dated 8 March 2006
	I am writing in response to your recent Parliamentary Question about employers involved in post 16 education in Wakefield and Normanton.
	Before going into detail may I say a word about the LSC's policy in relation to meeting the learning and skills needs of employers, and how we work on this in partnership with others.
	At the end of 2005 we published the LSC's Statement of Priorities for 2006/07, a copy of which I enclose. As you will see one of our six priorities is to make learning truly demand-led so that it better meets the needs of employers, young people and adults. This lies at the very heart of your question.
	As you will see from pages 12 and 13 of the booklet we have a number of initiatives designed to support employers and learners, and I would like to highlight two in particular.
	First, we are building on the success of the Employer Training Pilots (ETP) and from April 2006 we shall roll-out Train to Gain nationally to deliver a range of high quality training for employers with an emphasis on level 2 qualifications and skills for life. A key element of Train to Gain will be a network of skills brokers giving advice to companies on their training needs.
	As you will know West Yorkshire is a pilot area for ETP and of the total number of employers engaged in ETP in West Yorkshire, 12.2% (180) are in Wakefield. This is slightly lower than its proportionate share of employers in West Yorkshire, but provides a good platform for a successful launch of Train to Gain. Unfortunately we do not have figures for Normanton.
	The second initiative is agenda for change which will radically transform the post 16 learning and skills sector, especially in colleges which are key partners in meeting employer needs. Agenda for change is based on extensive consultation with college principals and involves a genuine partnership between the LSC and the further education sector. Again, full details are given in the booklet.
	Turning to the information you have requested, I'm afraid we do not hold it in a way that enables me to answer your question precisely, but I hope the information on the chart I have enclosed is helpful.
	Finally, I know that Margaret Coleman, the LSC Regional Director for Yorkshire and the Humber would be very happy to discuss this in more detail, either in your constituency or at the House, for a meeting to be arranged please contact her office directly either via e-mail margaret.coleman@lsc.gov.uk or via telephone 01274 44 4100.

Post-16 Education

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many 16 to 19 year olds were unfunded as a consequence of further education colleges exceeding their recruitment targets agreed with the relevant local Learning and Skills Council in (a) 200405 and (b) 200506 in (i) each local learning and skills council area and (ii) each college.

Bill Rammell: holding answer 2 March 2006
	The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) agrees plans with most further education (FE) colleges which they guarantee to fund. The guarantee that college plans will be fully funded has been widely welcomed by the sector as ensuring stability and providing confidence for colleges to make commitments for the year based on assured levels of funding. The guarantee means that colleges recruiting above agreed plans cannot expect to receive additional funding above the level agreed with the LSC. However, there is an expectation that where colleges have delivered higher volumes in priority areas then this should be reflected in their planning for the following year.
	It is only possible to determine the amount of learning delivered above agreed planned levels following detailed analysis of the actual level of delivery in the academic year compared to the agreed planned levels. It is not possible to complete this analysis for 2005/06 until we have full academic year data on delivery, which will not be available until later this year. For 2004/05 the LSC estimate that colleges delivered 9,624 16 to19 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) learner numbers above the planned levels agreed with the LSC. Mark Haysom, the LSC's Chief Executive, has written to the hon. Member and a copy of his reply has been placed in the House Library.

Religious Services

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the answer of 9 January 2006, Official Report, column 428W, on religious services, what discussions have taken place in her Department about whether a daily act of collective worship should continue to be held in accordance with her Department's circular 1/94.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 27 March 2006
	The current policy regarding collective worship is set out in the Department for Education and Skills circular 1/94. All registered pupils attending a maintained school, primary or secondary, should take part in a daily act of collective worship. This act of collective worship should be wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character.

School Admissions

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether it is her intention that under the proposed provisions in the Education and Inspections Bill secondary schools will be allowed to have access to pupils' Key Stage 2 results before they are accepted to attend the school; and if she will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: We have no intention of introducing any provision allowing access to Key Stage 2 results prior to, or as a condition of, pupils being accepted into secondary schools. We do not support selection and do not wish to see a return to the 11 plus.

School Admissions

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether it is her intention that parents be permitted to represent their children in the appeal process regarding moves to secondary schools under the provisions of the Education and Inspection Bill; whether she expects changes to be made to the appeals process by provisions in the Bill; and if she will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: Admissions legislation already gives parents the right of appeal to an independent appeal panel, against an admission authority's decision refusing their child admission to a school. The appeal process already allows parents the opportunity to appear in person and make oral representations themselves, or be accompanied, or represented, by a friend. Legal representation will not usually be necessary, but parents are free to have such representation if they wish.
	No changes are being made to the appeals process under the provisions of the Education and Inspections Bill.

School Admissions

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what investigative powers she proposes to give (a) the Schools Adjudicator and (b) other bodies to assess the admissions practices of individual schools.

Jacqui Smith: The Schools Adjudicators already have the power to request the core information they need to consider objections to admission arrangements. In future, we will require admission authorities to provide information needed by the Adjudicators to fulfil their functions.
	Admission Forums play a key role in considering admission issues from a local perspective, monitoring how well they are working and advising admission authorities on where they need to be improved. The Bill will strengthen this role by giving Forums the power to object to the Schools Adjudicators about the admission arrangements of any maintained school in their area. It will also give them the power to publish an annual report for the Schools Commissioner about how well admission arrangements are working in their area.

School Inspections (Leicester)

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many schools in Leicester Ofsted has inspected in the last three years.

Jacqui Smith: This is a matter for Ofsted. HM chief inspector, Maurice Smith, has written to my hon. Friend and a copy of his reply has been placed in the Library.
	Letter from Maurice J. Smith, dated 17 March 2006
	Your recent parliamentary question has been passed to me, as Her Majesty's Chief Inspector, for reply.
	You asked how many schools in Leicestershire have been inspected by Ofsted in the last three years.
	During the period January 2003 to December 2005, 35 primary schools, 11 secondary schools, seven special schools and one pupil referral unit were inspected in Leicester. School inspections before September 2005 were carried out under Section 10 of the School Inspections Act 1996, as amended by the Education Act 2002. School inspections since September 2005 are carried out under Section 5 of the Education Act 2005.
	A copy of this reply has been sent to Jacqui Smith and will be placed in the library of both Houses.

School Performance (Exemptions)

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the answer of 21 March 2006, Official Report, column 217W, on the Education Act 2002, what plans she has to commence the provisions of Chapter 2 of the Education Act 2002 conferring exemptions related to school performance.

Jacqui Smith: We are keeping the provisions of Chapter 2 of the Education Act 2002, conferring exemptions related to school performance, under review.

School Ratings (Lancashire)

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which schools in Lancashire local education authority were rated (a) grade one, (b) grade two, (c) grade three and (d) grade four when last assessed by the Office of Standards in Education.

Jacqui Smith: This is a matter for Ofsted. HM chief inspector, Maurice Smith, has written to the hon. Member and a copy of his reply has been placed in the House Library.

School Trusts

Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  whether a fast food company would be permitted to set up a school trust;
	(2)  when she will answer question 35341, tabled on 1 December 2005 by the hon. Member for Kingston and Surbiton, on trust schools.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 6 December 2005
	It will not be open to any organisation to set up a school trust. It will be for the governing bodies of individual schools to decide whether to form partnerships with trusts, following consultation with parents and other stakeholders. All such trusts will be charities and the consultation will need to set out who the members of the charity will be. In deciding whether to acquire a particular trust, governing bodies will need to take account of the impact of the trust on driving up standards and promoting the well-being of pupils and the wider community. The school would be inspected against the contribution it makes to the five outcomes, including being healthy. As part of this, inspectors would assess the school's success in promoting healthy eating. Where there are concerns about the nature of a proposed trust, the local authority will be able to refer the case to the schools adjudicator for determination.

Schools (Brighton and Hove)

David Lepper: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many full-time equivalent teachers were working in maintained schools in Brighton and Hove in each year since 199697.

Jacqui Smith: The following table provides the full-time equivalent number of regular teachers (excluding occasionals) employed in maintained schools by each local authority and Government office region, January 1997 to 2005.
	Brighton and Hove local authority was created on 1 April 1997 and therefore figures are not available for January 1997.
	
		Table 15: full-time equivalent regular teachers (excluding occasionals) in service in the maintained sector(24) each year by local authority(25) and Government office region: January 1997 to 2005 -- England
		
			  1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 
		
		
			 Gateshead 1,680 1,630 1,580 1,630 1,670 1,660 1,650 1,620 1,630 
			 Newcastle upon Tyne 2,120 2,130 2,140 2,130 2,180 2,230 2,170 2,160 2,170 
			 North Tyneside 1,650 1,640 1,630 1,600 1,820 1,690 1,650 1,700 1,730 
			 South Tyneside 1,370 1,350 1,380 1,310 1,440 1,460 1,410 1,430 1,410 
			 Sunderland 2,660 2,620 2,650 2,620 2,670 2,670 2,640 2,670 2,690 
			 Hartlepool 840 810 800 820 840 850 840 850 870 
			 Middlesbrough 1,380 1,340 1,270 1,300 1,270 1,310 1,280 1,150 1,160 
			 Redcar and Cleveland 1,300 1,280 1,300 1,300 1,280 1,410 1,370 1,390 1,380 
			 Stockton on Tees 1,650 1,660 1,660 1,720 1,740 1,760 1,760 1,770 1,720 
			 Former Durham 4,910 
			 Darlington  820 820 800 780 840 840 850 860 
			 Durham (post 1 April 1997)  4,120 4,190 4,190 4,240 4,270 4,310 4,300 4,300 
			 Northumberland 2,630 2,560 2,600 2,590 2,620 2,760 2,760 2,810 2,790 
			 North East 22,200 22,000 22,000 22,000 22,500 22,900 22,700 22,700 22,700 
			 Cumbria 4,030 4,060 4,130 4.240 4,180 4,380 4,430 4,450 4,560 
			 Former Cheshire 8,190 8,240
			 Cheshire (post 1 April 1998)   5,490 5,610 5,600 5,680 5,770 5,710 5,700 
			 Halton   1,220 1,140 1,140 1,140 1,170 1,140 1,130 
			 Warrington   1,530 1,650 1,680 1,720 1,730 1,780 1,800 
			 Bolton 2,440 2,430 2,430 2,500 2,500 2,560 2,540 2,540 2,510 
			 Bury 1,460 1,420 1,460 1,470 1,480 1,490 1,500 1,500 1,550 
			 Manchester 3,850 3,730 4,220 3,750 3,790 3,760 3,820 3,830 3,990 
			 Oldham 2,240 2,220 2,230 2,220 2,280 2,270 2,250 2,290 2,380 
			 Rochdale 1,830 1,840 1,830 1,880 1,870 1,900 1,890 1,930 1,920 
			 Salford 1,920 1,900 1,900 1,950 1,920 1,920 1,890 1,930 1,930 
			 Stockport 2,220 2,170 2,210 2,210 2,330 2,350 2,340 2,380 2,280 
			 Tameside 1,830 1,870 1,940 1,960 1,930 2,070 2,030 2,010 1,990 
			 Trafford 1,750 1,860 1,880 1,910 1,900 1,880 2,020 1,970 1,960 
			 Wigan 2,760 2,690 2,690 2,690 2,590 2,800 2,800 2,830 2,890 
			 Former Lancashire 11,870 11,930
			 Lancashire (post 1 April 1998)   9,690 9,750 9,710 9,640 9,710 9,920 9,910 
			 Blackburn with Darwen   1,360 1,390 1,310 1,390 1,400 1,410 1,420 
			 Blackpool   1,010 1,030 1,100 1,120 1,150 1,160 1,220 
			 Knowsley 1,530 1,530 1,570 1,640 1,530 1,450 1,570 1,510 1,500 
			 Liverpool 4,340 4,280 4,240 4,130 4,320 4,750 4,290 4,410 4,350 
			 St. Helens 1,590 1,570 1,570 1,570 1,570 1,580 1,630 1,550 1,600 
			 Sefton 2,540 2,520 2,510 2,540 2,610 2,620 2,660 2,700 2,520 
			 Wirral 2,930 2,970 2,990 2,970 3,020 3,090 3,080 3,050 3,050 
			 North West 59,300 59,200 60,100 60,200 60,400 61,600 61,700 62,000 62,200 
			   
			 Kingston-Upon-Hull, City of 2,080 2,030 2,060 2,110 2,110 2,150 2,150 2,240 2,260 
			 East Riding of Yorkshire 2,410 2,400 2,410 2,500 2,530 2,560 2,640 2,630 2,690 
			 North East Lincolnshire 1,370 1,300 1,310 1,380 1,360 1,450 1,480 1,450 1,420 
			 North Lincolnshire 1,290 1,240 1,290 1,290 1,340 1,300 1,280 1,340 1,350 
			 North Yorkshire (post 1 April 1996) 4,580 4,560 4,680 4,840 4,940 4,940 5,020 5,080 5,080 
			 York 1,290 1,270 1,290 1,350 1,380 1,390 1,380 1,390 1,390 
			 Barnsley 1,620 1,610 1,610 1,640 1,640 1,650 1,680 1,650 1,720 
			 Doncaster 2,690 2,650 2,630 2,670 2,690 2,790 2,780 2,810 2,820 
			 Rotherham 2,360 2,350 2,360 2,380 2,500 2,520 2,500 2,560 2,610 
			 Sheffield 3,930 3,980 4,050 4,050 4,190 4,110 4,120 4,140 4,150 
			 Bradford 4,660 4,590 4,610 4,610 4,400 4,870 4,640 4,690 4,700 
			 Calderdale 1,770 1,740 1,790 1,800 1,840 1,870 1,900 1,920 1,980 
			 Kirklees 3,260 3,240 3,250 3,300 3,370 3,320 3,350 3,420 3,430 
			 Leeds 5,900 5,860 5,910 6,130 6,040 6,080 5,800 6,130 6,220 
			 Wakefield 2,670 2,620 2,630 2,590 2,700 2,750 2,780 2,790 2,830 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 41,900 41,400 41,900 42,700 43,000 43,700 43,500 44,200 44,600 
			   
			 Former Derbyshire 7,530 
			 Derbyshire (post 1 April 1997)(26)  5,450 5,590 5,670 5,760 5,870 6,190 5,970 6,160 
			 Derby  1,920 1,830 1,890 1,980 2,020 1,970 2,070 2,130 
			 Former Leicestershire 7,690 
			 Leicestershire (post 1 April 1997)(26)  4,800 4,860 4,930 5,020 5,040 5,290 5,220 5,220 
			 Leicester  2,570 2,660 2,600 2,760 2,710 2,590 2,730 2,830 
			 Rutland  250 260 220 240 250 270 260 260 
			 Lincolnshire 5,130 5,120 5,050 5,090 5,300 5,110 5,240 5,590 5,630 
			 Northamptonshire 5,500 5,290 5,360 5,530 5,330 5,760 5,720 5,760 5,720 
			 Former Nottinghamshire 7,810 7,860
			 Nottinghamshire (post 1 April 1998)   5,860 5,950 5,970 6,070 6,180 6,310 6,240 
			 Nottingham   2,030 2,070 2,110 2,080 2,240 2,300 2,220 
			 East Midlands 33,700 33,300 33,500 34,000 34,500 34,900 35,700 36,200 36,400 
			   
			 Former Hereford and Worcester 5,370 5,420
			 Herefordshire   1,250 1,290 1,300 1,350 1,360 1,380 1,410 
			 Worcestershire   4,150 4,210 4,270 4,390 4,430 4,490 4,560 
			 Former Shropshire 3,330 3,350
			 Shropshire (post 1 April 1998)   1,940 2,050 2,110 2,140 2,110 2,110 2,080 
			 Telford and Wrekin   1,360 1,340 1,410 1.420 1,470 1,450 1,420 
			 Former Staffordshire 8,510 
			 Staffordshire (post 1 April 1997)  6,510 6,690 6,740 6,800 6,940 7,160 7,100 7,160 
			 Stoke-on-Trent  1,900 1,890 1,900 1,920 1,940 1,980 1,980 1,980 
			 Warwickshire 3,870 3,940 4,000 4,080 4,150 4,200 4,320 4,380 4,420 
			 Birmingham 9,910 9,800 9,760 9,880 10,220 10,440 10,150 10,110 10,540 
			 Coventry 2,800 2,780 2,810 2,800 2,870 2,920 2,910 2,920 2,910 
			 Dudley 2,690 2,690 2,760 2,740 2,780 2,710 2,710 2,740 2,900 
			 Sandwell 2,730 2,710 2,750 2,680 2,620 2,680 2,730 2.760 2,790 
			 Solihull 1,850 1,850 1,920 1,940 2,050 2,000 2,020 1,970 2,000 
			 Walsall 2,590 2,540 2,610 2,360 2,570 2,500 2,530 2,510 2,650 
			 Wolverhampton 2,230 2,220 2,240 2,270 2,290 2,200 2,260 2,310 2,360 
			 West Midlands 45,900 45,700 46,200 46,300 47,400 47,800 48,200 48,200 49,200 
			   
			 Former Cambridgeshire 5,400 5,390
			 Cambridgeshire (post 1 April 1998)   3,870 3,940 4,040 4,060 4,210 4,180 4,220 
			 Peterborough   1,550 1,610 1,510 1,760 1,640 1,590 1,600 
			 Norfolk 5.940 5,940 5,980 5,910 6,050 6,150 6,320 6,230 6,190 
			 Suffolk 5,330 5,380 5,450 5,450 5,490 5,660 5,700 5.900 5,810 
			 Former Bedfordshire 4,990 
			 Bedfordshire (post 1 April 1997)  3,360 3,410 3,330 3,250 3,680 3,750 3,720 3,590 
			 Luton  1,570 1,560 1,660 1,660 1,730 1,810 1,810 1,870 
			 Former Essex 12,580 12,560
			 Essex (post 1 April 1998)   10,580 10,400 10,520 10,920 10,890 10,980 11,190 
			 Southend-on-Sea   1,270 1,380 1,410 1,520 1.560 1,610 1,640 
			 Thurrock   1,060 1,110 1,180 1,210 1,230 1,250 1,250 
			 Hertfordshire 9,040 8,970 9,070 9,030 9,170 9,550 9,610 9,820 9,810 
			 East of England 43,300 43,200 43,800 43,800 44,300 46,200 46,700 47,100 47,200 
			   
			 City of London 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 
			 Camden 1,500 1,480 1,440 1,340 1,430 1,570 1,450 1,420 1,480 
			 Greenwich 2,070 2,010 2,030 2,040 2,030 2,080 2,140 2,190 2,260 
			 Hackney 1,450 1,490 1,520 1,510 1.480 1,470 1,600 1,550 1,630 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 930 920 930 1,000 1,000 1,010 1,060 1,120 1,140 
			 Islington 1,420 1,410 1,330 1,350 1,300 1,460 1,380 1,440 1,440 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 680 670 680 650 660 670 720 690 690 
			 Lambeth 1,710 1,700 1,660 1,620 1,580 1,670 1.620 1,670 1,770 
			 Lewisham 1,870 1,870 1,810 1,890 1,980 2,070 2,040 2,010 1,990 
			 Southwark 1,750 1,800 1,850 1,840 1,960 2,060 2,090 2,030 2,030 
			 Tower Hamlets 2,270 2,170 2,310 2,250 2,180 2,220 2,310 2,280 2,310 
			 Wandsworth 1,690 1,680 1,700 1,680 1,730 1,770 1,750 1,780 1,840 
			 Westminster 1,140 1,160 1,160 1,190 1,250 1,300 1,320 1,290 1,340 
			 Barking and Dagenham 1,450 1,420 1,450 1,470 1,480 1.510 1,570 1,680 1,650 
			 Barnet 2,770 2,730 2,720 2,710 2,740 2,820 2,850 2,800 2,790 
			 Bexley 1,860 1,870 1,940 1,920 2,030 2,160 2,090 2,110 2,050 
			 Brent 2,160 2,190 2,160 2,100 2,110 2,160 2,380 2,350 2,490 
			 Bromley 2,270 2,330 2,340 2,340 2,540 2,640 2,590 2,620 2,690 
			 Croydon 2,620 2,640 2,590 2,880 2,820 2,860 2,880 2,890 3,000 
			 Ealing 2,230 2,220 2,250 2,240 2,220 2,320 2,310 2,300 2,330 
			 Enfield 2,550 2,610 2,650 2,740 2,670 2,670 2,820 2,880 2,950 
			 Haringey 1,870 1,830 1,860 1,850 1,850 1,890 1,910 1,910 1,970 
			 Harrow 1,580 1,500 1,490 1,380 1,490 1,500 1,550 1,560 1,590 
			 Havering 1,870 1,870 1,900 1,890 1,950 2,040 2,060 2,090 2,050 
			 Hillingdon 2,000 2,030 2,030 2,130 2,180 2,230 2,230 2,350 2,400 
			 Hounslow 2,000 1,940 1,980 1,950 2,020 2,010 2,010 2,120 2,160 
			 Kingston upon Thames 1,060 1,050 1,040 1,060 1,070 1,070 1,170 1,150 1,190 
			 Merton 1,210 1,170 1,190 1,150 1,210 1,210 1,240 1,180 1,260 
			 Newham 2,190 2,200 2,290 2,350 2,420 2,520 2,570 2,790 2,820 
			 Redbridge 2,100 2,130 2,180 2,200 2,370 2,380 2,470 2,510 2,470 
			 Richmond upon Thames 1,070 1,070 1,060 1,030 1,040 1,090 1,100 1,050 1,060 
			 Sutton 1,390 1,420 1,450 1,480 1,530 1,590 1,710 1,700 1,750 
			 Waltham Forest 2,010 2,080 2,090 2,060 1,940 2,020 1,940 2,080 2,120 
			 London 56,800 56,700 57,100 57,300 58,300 60,100 60,900 61,600 62,700 
			   
			 Former Berkshire 6,280 6,290
			 Bracknell Forest   730 760 760 760 810 790 780 
			 Windsor and Maidenhead   1,000 1,000 990 1,060 1,050 1,130 1,120 
			 West Berkshire   1,310 1,440 1,330 1,400 1,440 1,500 1,520 
			 Reading   930 970 990 1,030 1,010 1,010 1,030 
			 Slough   1,060 1,040 1,090 1,320 1,180 1,150 1,230 
			 Wokingham   1,220 1,250 1,280 1,350 1,310 1,320 1,390 
			 Former Buckinghamshire 5.370 
			 Buckinghamshire (post 1 April 1997)  3,790 3,740 3.930 3,900 4,030 4,240 4,210 4,270 
			 Milton Keynes  1,730 1,790 1,750 1.760 1,810 1,900 2,040 2,070 
			 Former East Sussex 5,110 
			 East Sussex (post 1 April 1997)  3,430 3,410 3,560 3,610 3,620 3,740 3,730 3,690 
			 Brighton and Hove  1,600 1,650 1,660 1,730 1,800 1,770 1,770 1,750 
			 Former Hampshire 11,990 
			 Hampshire (post 1 April 1997)  8,960 8,980 8,980 8,970 9,310 9,370 9,380 9,680 
			 Portsmouth  1,320 1,540 1,430 1,480 1,430 1,420 1,410 1,390 
			 Southampton  1,670 1,670 1,640 1,640 1,710 1,700 1,740 1,730 
			 Isle of Wight 1,020 1,030 1,060 1,070 1,100 1,150 1,170 1,140 1,180 
			 Former Kent 13,180 13,080
			 Kent (post 1 April 1998)   10,860 11,300 11,320 11,310 11,460 12,200 12,510 
			 Medway   2,280 2,180 2,180 2,200 2,520 2,560 2,500 
			 Oxfordshire 4,270 4,260 4,290 4,680 4,790 4,900 4,900 4,900 4,900 
			 Surrey 7,220 7,160 7,140 7,290 7,310 7,560 7,660 7,690 7,650 
			 West Sussex 5,400 5,490 5,590 5,560 5,610 5,770 5,920 5,810 5,890 
			 South East 59,800 59,800 60,300 61,500 61,800 63,500 64,600 65,500 66,300 
			   
			 Isles of Scilly 20 20 20 20 20 20 30 30 20 
			 Bath and North East Somerset 1,370 1,350 1,350 1,360 1,390 1,410 1,440 1,390 1,410 
			 City of Bristol 2,900 2,810 2,710 2,700 2,790 2,700 2,800 2,730 2,810 
			 North Somerset 1,450 1,380 1,360 1,360 1,420 1,480 1,490 1,500 1,540 
			 South Gloucestershire 1,970 1,980 2,050 2,090 2,120 2,160 2,180 2,180 2,180 
			 Cornwall 3,610 3,590 3,570 3,730 3,800 3,880 4,020 4,010 4.100 
			 Former Devon 7,700 7,800
			 Devon (post 1 April 1998)   4,780 4,970 5,030 5,120 5,160 5,420 5,450 
			 Plymouth   2,150 2,180 2,210 2,250 2,250 2,200 2,210 
			 Torbay   960 910 970 1,060 1,040 1,080 1,140 
			 Former Dorset 4,730 
			 Dorset (post 1 April 1997)  2,790 2.770 2,790 2,880 2,940 3,050 3,120 3,100 
			 Poole  1,060 1,010 1,010 1,030 1,050 1,090 1,070 1,060 
			 Bournemouth  1,040 1,070 1,090 1,110 1,140 1,130 1,130 1,130 
			 Gloucestershire 4,410 4,460 4,480 4,620 4,680 4,910 5,080 5,170 5,100 
			 Somerset 3,480 3,480 3,380 3,530 3,770 3,770 3,890 3,980 4,090 
			 Former Wiltshire 4,690 
			 Wiltshire (post 1 April 1997)  3,180 3,170 3,100 3,340 3,390 3,520 3,560 3,680 
			 Swindon  1,440 1,480 1,490 1,440 1,600 1,570 1,600 1,590 
			 South West 36,300 36,400 36,300 37,000 38,000 38,900 39,700 40,200 40,600 
			   
			 England 399,200 397,700 401,200 404,600 410,200 419,600 423,600 427,700 431,900 
		
	
	(24)Figures are for the maintained sector. Teachers in academies (including those that were previously maintained schools) are not included. See note to editors 1 in SFR 41/2005 for further details.
	(25)The first, second and third phases of local government reorganisation came into effect on 1 April 1996, 1 April 1997 and 1 April 1998 respectively. The new authorities are shown directly below their former parent local authorities.
	(26)Figures for Derbyshire and Leicestershire for 2003 may be overstated.
	Notes:
	1.See note to editors 2 in SFR 41/2005 for falling pupil numbers.
	2.Totals may not appear equal to the sum of the component parts because of rounding.
	Source:
	61 8g survey

Schools (Lewes)

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of pupils in Lewes constituency left school with fewer than five GCSEs at A*-C grade in each year since 1997.

Jacqui Smith: The figures requested are shown in the table.
	
		Proportion of 15 year olds(27) not achieving 5 or more A* to C grades at GCSE and equivalent(28) maintained schools only
		
			  Number of 15 year old pupils in Lewes constituency(29) Percentage not achieving 5+ A*-C 
		
		
			 1997 943 54.5 
			 1998 968 52.5 
			 1999 972 50.2 
			 2000 929 45.5 
			 2001 1,008 44.9 
			 2002 973 46.5 
			 2003 999 44.1 
			 2004 1,066 42.9 
			 2005 1,079 48.8 
		
	
	(27)Age at the start of the academic year (i.e. 31 August).
	(28)From 1997 includes GNVQ equivalences and from 2004 other equivalences approved for use pre 16.
	(29)Pupils attending schools located in Lewes constituency.

Special Educational Needs

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much was spent as a proportion of the total budget of the Lancashire local education authority on special needs education in each year since 1997.

Jacqui Smith: The information requested is only available from 200001 onwards and is contained within the following table.
	
		Budgeted net expenditure on the provision of education for children with special educational needs1,2 by Lancashire local authority since 200001
		
			  Budgeted net expenditure on the provision of education for children with special educational needs(30)(5509030031)() Total education revenue expenditure(32)() Budgeted net expenditure on the provision of education for children with SEN as a percentage of total education revenue expenditure 
		
		
			 200001 79,766,000 511,182,000 15.6 
			 200102 82,826,000 543,019,000 15.3 
			 200203 86,666,000 569,835,000 15.2 
			 200304 99,347,000 608,216,000 16.3 
			 200405 106,320,000 641,611,000 16.6 
			 200506(33) 109,113,000 702,069,000 15.5 (16.1) 
		
	
	(30)Includes planned expenditure on the provision for pupils with statements and the provision for non-statemented pupils with SEN, support for inclusion, inter authority recoupment, fees for pupils at independent special schools and abroad, educational psychology service, local authority functions in relation to child protection, therapies and other health related services, parent partnership, guidance and information, the monitoring of SEN provision and inclusion administration, assessment and co-ordination. Also included is the funding delegated to nursery, primary and secondary schools identified as notional SEN and the individual schools budget (ISB) for special schools.
	(31)The ISB for special schools will include some general education costs for pupils with SEN in addition to those costs specifically for SEN while the figures recorded against notional SEN are only indicative of the amount that might be spent by schools on SEN. In 200506, Lancashire also budgeted 13.2 million for SEN transport expenditure but this is not included in the budgeted net expenditure on SEN as figures are not available prior to 200506.
	(32)Total Education Revenue Expenditure is the combination of the total schools budget and the total local authority budget. For the first time in 200506 Threshold and Performance Pay costs were recorded gross in the Section 52 Budget Statement which has had the effect of increasing Lancashire's 200506 total education revenue expenditure by over 24 million. Consequently, for comparison with earlier years, the adjusted budgeted net expenditure on the provision of education for children with SEN as a percentage of total education revenue expenditure in 200506 is 16.1 per cent. and this figure is included in brackets.
	(33)The data are drawn from Lancashire local authority's Section52 Budget Statements (Tables 1 and 2) submitted to the DfES.
	Note:
	Figures are as reported by the LEA in cash terms and rounded to the nearest thousand pounds and may not sum due to rounding.

State Education Institutions (Private Donations)

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much private money was donated to state education institutions in the last year for which figures are available; and how much revenue was generated by managed bequest reserves in that year.

Jacqui Smith: The Department does not hold details centrally of how much private money was donated to education institutions nor does it hold information on revenue generated by managed bequests. To collect this information would incur disproportionate cost. However, we do know that, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency income to English Higher Education Institutions from endowment and investment funds was 197 million in 200304.

Student Loans

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many people failed to make repayments to their student loan accounts in each of the last five years; and how many of them the Student Loans Company failed to trace.

Bill Rammell: There are two student loans schemes. Mortgage-style loans were introduced in 1990. Income-contingent loans were introduced for new students from 1998, while continuing students remained eligible for mortgage-style loans.
	The first cohort of students on three year courses with income-contingent loans entered repayment status in April 2002. However, borrowers only make repayments when they are earning over 15,000 and those earning less are not required to make any repayments. Most income-contingent loan repayments are collected by employers through the tax system and current policy ensures that deductions keep pace with earnings so borrowers do not become overdue on their accounts.
	HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) automatically traces most income contingent loan borrowers through the tax system and the Student Loans Company ensures that HMRC has the information needed to match borrower accounts to tax records, actively chasing borrowers as necessary for information.
	The position on overdue mortgage style loans is as follows:
	
		UK borrowers with student loans in arrears at the end of each financial year (public debt only)
		
			  Less than two months in arrears Two plus months in arrears All arrears(34) 
		
		
			 200001 (35)n/a (35)n/a 101,300 
			 200102 28,700 80,400 109,100 
			 200203 39,300 71,700 111,000 
			 200304 51,100 62,100 113,300 
			 200405 (provisional) 58,100 59,100 117,200 
		
	
	(34)May double count borrowers with loans in both categories
	(35)Consistent figures are not available for 200001.
	Source:
	Student Loans Company
	
		UK borrowers with overdue mortgage-style loans that SLC were attempting to trace, at the end of each financial year (public debt only)
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 200001 18,600 
			 200102 14,400 
			 200203 21,700 
			 200304 18,400 
			 200405 19,800 
		
	
	Source:
	Student Loans Company

CABINET OFFICE

Capita Group

Chris Grayling: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what meetings (a) he and (b) Ministers in his Department have held with directors and senior executives of (i) Capita Group plc and (ii) its subsidiaries since 1 January 2004; and whether (A) Capita Group plc and (B) its subsidiaries have provided input (1) in writing and (2) in person to policy discussions in his Department since 1st January 2004.

Jim Murphy: This information is not held centrally. To provide the detailed information requested would incur disproportionate cost.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Julian Lewis: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what additional costs were incurred in each month from September 2004 until the 2005 General Election in respect of extra (a) ministerial salaries and costs, (b) staff salaries and costs and (c) other associated costs as a result of the appointment of a separate Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster; and whether and on what date this information has previously been disclosed.

Jim Murphy: I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave the hon. Member for North-East Hertfordshire (Mr. Heald) on 23 March 2006, Official Report, column 479W.

Civil Contingency College

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he last visited the Civil Contingency College at Hawkhills near Easingwold, Vale of York to discuss civil contingency planning.

Jim Murphy: I have not visited the Emergency Planning College.

Superannuation Liability

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what total amount of employers' normal contributions accruing superannuation liability charge has been accounted for by his Office in each of the last five years for which data are available.

Jim Murphy: The amount of employers' accruing superannuation liability charges in respect of members of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme in the last five years is shown in the table.
	
		
			  000 
		
		
			 200405(36) 10,265 
			 200304(36) 10,298 
			 200203(36) 10,215 
			 200102 16,961 
			 200001 14,533 
		
	
	(36)From 1 October 2002 new entrants have been able to opt for a partnership pension partnership account, a stakeholder arrangement with an employer contribution. Employers' contributions to partnership pension accounts are not included in the figures.

DEFENCE

Advertising Campaigns

Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what (a) national and (b) regional advertising campaigns his Department has carried out in each of the last three years; and what the cost was of (i) the creative work and (ii) the purchase of airtime and media space for each campaign.

Don Touhig: holding answer 23 March 2006
	The cost of the Services' recruit advertising campaigns for the years in question are as follows.
	
		 million
		
			  Media costs Creative costs 
		
		
			 Naval Service   
			 National   
			 FY2003/04 3.413 1.084 
			 RM specific(37) 0.956 0 
			 FY2004/05 3.153 1.429 
			 RM specific(37) 2.260 0 
			 FY2005/06 2.386 0.672 
			 RM specific(37) 2.352 0 
			 Regional   
			 FY200304 0.300 (38) 
			 FY200405 0.400 (38) 
			 FY200506 0.493 (38) 
			
			 Army   
			 National   
			 FY200304 4.500 0.900 
			 FY200405 11.100 1.900 
			 FY200506 16.000 2.500 
			 Regional   
			 FY200304 1.500 0.850 
			 FY200405 2.100 0.850 
			 FY200506 2.000 0.850 
			
			 RAF3   
			 National   
			 FY200304 2.649 0.481 
			 FY200405 2.039 0.929 
			 FY200506 1.881 0.075 
			 Regional 3   
		
	
	(37)The RM specific campaign costs are in addition to the Naval Service's main costs.
	(38)Naval Service regional advertising does not attract any creative costs. All creative work for adverts is carried out centrally to ensure continuity.
	(39)RAF recruit advertising is carried out centrally rather than on a regional basis.
	Naval Service recruit advertising includes specific campaigns aimed at attracting Royal Marine recruits and additional personnel from our ethnic minority communities and, in FY200506, a campaign to attract Engineers. National and regional advertising campaigns for the Regular Army, and national campaigns for the Territorial Army, are run every year: individual campaigns to address particular Army recruiting shortages are run periodically and are multi-media combining national with regional advertising. The RAF's annual national recruit advertising campaign costs includes an element for online costs.

Departmental Employees

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what compensation he has made available to those of his Department's employees who are based in Shropshire who do not wish to move to work in Bristol.

Adam Ingram: A business case is being developed withinthe Ministry of Defence that explores potential options for the collocation of the Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO) with the Defence Procurement Agency in the Bristol/Bath area. This involves the possible withdrawal of the DLO from a number of locations, namely: Andover, the Foxhill site in Bath, RAF Brampton/Wyton, Castle Court in Sherborne, Caversfield near Bicester, Sapphire House in Telford, and Yeovilton.
	It would be wrong at this stage to speculate on the potential impact of eventual decisions on employees. I expect the business case to be presented for consideration in the Spring of this year, following which there will be a period of consultation with the Trades Unions.

Energy Efficiency

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to increase energy efficiency within his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Don Touhig: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has published a Sustainable Development Delivery Strategy for Non Operational Energy which can be found on the MOD website (www.mod.uk). This sets out MODs approach to delivering energy targets in the 'Framework for Sustainable Development on the Government Estate'. A range of appraisal tools and evaluation methodologies are mandated for use across the MOD in our future planning, design and procurement arrangements to ensure that the potential to improve energy efficiency is realised. In addition, the MOD has a partnership agreement with the Carbon Trust, to help it explore alternative sources of fuel and technology.

European Defence Agency

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the work programme of the European Defence Agency is; what the cost has been since it was established; what the UK's contribution has been; and if he will make a statement.

John Reid: I will place a copy of the European Defence Agency's (EDA's) 2006 work programme in the Library of the House. Participating member states will contribute 21.5 million towards the EDA's budget in 2006. The United Kingdom contribution in 2006 will be 17.572 per cent., i.e. 3,778,052.
	The EDA was established in July 2004. Member states contributed 1,786,483 in 2004 of which the UK's share was 17.28 per cent., i.e. 308,776. The actual audited costs incurred by the Agency in 2004 were 364,069. The underspend was returned to participating member states through an equivalent reduction to their contributions to the following year's budget.
	Participating member states were budgeted to contribute 19.9 million in 2005 of which the UK contribution was budgeted to be 18.07 per cent. i.e. 3,596,803. However, taking account of the underspend from the previous year the UK contribution was 3,350,954. The annual audit of the EDA's 2005 accounts is currently taking place and so I am not at this moment able to give you a figure for the actual costs incurred by the EDA in 2005.

Iraq

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British soldiers are awaiting their Iraq campaign medals following active service tours of that country in 2004.

Don Touhig: holding answer 23 March 2006
	It is not possible to answer the question in the format required.
	As at 24 February 2006, 103,826 applications for the Iraq medal had been received from armed forces personnel. Of the 101,054 applications assessed as eligible, 93,943 medals had been despatched and a further 7,111 are going through the despatch process.

Iraq

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the United Kingdom used Norwegian Government radar equipment as part of the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 27 March 2006
	Yes, we made use of Norwegian radar equipment. The United Kingdom and Norway enjoy close defence relations, and the UK remains grateful for the protection these assets offered our Forces.

MAN ERF

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has secured a requirement that vehicles made under the recent series of his Department's contracts with MAN of Germany will be received into the UK, checked and despatched for operational use by the customers at MAN ERF UK's Northern regional office and facility at Middlewich in Cheshire.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 27 March 2006
	No. In line with normal Ministry of Defence practice, the vehicles will be checked and despatched to units via the Defence Storage and Distribution Centre at Ashchurch, Gloucestershire.

Nuclear Submarines

Gary Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the award of the contract to refit the nuclear submarine HMS Torbay to Babcock Naval Services in Scotland represents a change in policy in relation to the refit of nuclear submarines; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 27 March 2006
	HMS Torbay is due to commence a routine pre-planned Revalidation and Assisted Maintenance Period (RAMP) in early 2007. Although such work is normally undertaken at a submarine's home port, which in Torbay's case is Devonport, the decision to move her RAMP to Faslane was made because of the heavy programme of work at Devonport and a relatively light loading at Faslane during the same time period. This is consistent with the Department's drive to improve submarine availability, reduce costs and improve co-operation between key suppliers.
	Nuclear submarine refit and refuelling work will continue to be carried out at Devonport Dockyard, which has the only facilities in the UK capable of undertaking such work.

Royal Medical Corps

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the average time gap has been between operational deployments in each of the last three years for those in the (a) Regular and (b) Territorial Royal Medical Corps.

Don Touhig: The information requested is not held centrally and can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Seaford Drill Hall

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make progress in identifying a future use for the drill hall in Seaford.

Don Touhig: holding answer 27 March 2006
	Defence Estates, an agency within the Ministry of Defence, is working closely with the South Eastern Reserve Forces and Cadets Association in identifying a future use for the Drill Hall at Seaford.
	Although some progress has been made, no decisions have yet been made.

Special Investigations Branch

Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the staffing levels of the special investigations branch of the Royal Military Police.

Don Touhig: The three services all have a special investigation branch capability.
	In the Army, the Royal Military Police have 235 investigators in the special investigation branch, while the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy have 35 and ten investigators respectively employed on special investigation branch duties.

Territorial Army

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the position of Project One Army Recruiting for the Territorial Army.

Don Touhig: Project One Army Recruiting is a major change programme to improve recruiting into the Regular and Territorial Army (TA), by integrating the recruiting operations of the two organisations. Implementation will begin on 1 April 2006 when Regional Brigade Commanders, who already have responsibility for the TA in their area, will become responsible for the combined recruiting operation. Full implementation is planned for 2011.

Unidentified Flying Objects

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department's unidentified flying objects project is extant; and if he will make a statement.

Don Touhig: The Ministry of Defence has never operated an UFO Project. UFO sightings reported to the MOD are examined solely within the context of controlling the integrity of the UK's airspace. The MOD does not attempt to identify the precise nature of each sighting, unless there is evidence of a risk to this integrity. Examination of UFO sighting reports is a task performed by desk officers within the directorate of air staff.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Antisocial Behaviour

Si�n James: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many incidents of antisocial behaviour have been reported to South Wales Police H Division since January; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what progress is being made in reducing incidents of antisocial behaviour in England and Wales.

Hazel Blears: The data is not available in the form requested. Antisocial behaviour is not measured by incidents but through a measure of perceptions using the British Crime Survey (BCS). The latest figures available at police force area level are for 200405. The design of the BCS means that data for individual months is not available. The measure of antisocial behaviour used is based on a scale constructed from seven questions on problems due to noisy neighbours or loud parties, teenagers and young people hanging around, rubbish and litter, vandalism, people using or dealing drugs, people being drunk or rowdy and abandoned cars. In the 200405 BCS 14 per cent. of people in South Wales perceived there to be high levels of antisocial behaviour in their local area, compared with 17 per cent. of people nationally. Between 200304 and 200405 there was no change in the proportion of people perceiving high levels of antisocial behaviour in South Wales.

Community Support Officers

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many community support officers have been introduced in Lancashire since the scheme began.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 22 March 2006
	As at 31 March 2003, Lancashire had 77 PCSOs. 110 PCSOs were introduced by 31 March 2004, this increased by 51 giving a total of 161 PCSOs as at 31 March 2005. This figure decreased by two, to 159 as at 30 September 2005.

Community Support Officers

John Cummings: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many community support officers have been introduced in the county of Durham since the scheme commenced.

Hazel Blears: As at 31 March 2003, Durham had 10 PCSOs. 28 PCSOs were introduced by 31 March 2004, this increased by 41 giving a total of 69 PCSOs as at 31 March 2005. This figure increased by three, to 72 as at 30 September 2005.

Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will reply to the letter dated 16 January from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton, with regard to Ms Shantall Richardson.

Charles Clarke: I wrote to my right hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Gorton on 22 March 2006.

Criminal Records Checks

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average time taken by each police force was to respond to inquiries from the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) as part of routine CRB checks in the last year for which figures are available.

Andy Burnham: The following table illustrates the average time taken by each of the police forces in England and Wales to conduct checks against their local intelligence systems between 1 March 2005 and 28 February 2006. The existing SLA target is 90 per cent. within 14 days.
	
		
			 Force Average 
		
		
			 Metropolitan 40.92 
			 West Midlands 31.75 
			 Hampshire 27.34 
			 Merseyside 22.03 
			 Gwent 21.03 
			 Greater Manchester 8.71 
			 South Wales 15.93 
			 Staffordshire 15.61 
			 Cambridgeshire 15.30 
			 Derbyshire 14.96 
			 Norfolk 14.71 
			 Humberside 14.50 
			 Wiltshire 12.79 
			 Cumbria 11.91 
			 Leicestershire 11.79 
			 Kent 11.30 
			 Cleveland 11.06 
			 Hertfordshire 10.97 
			 Suffolk 10.59 
			 South Yorkshire 10.50 
			 Surrey 10.08 
			 Nottinghamshire 9.77 
			 North Wales 8.95 
			 Avon and Somerset 8.89 
			 Cheshire 8.84 
			 Devon and Cornwall 8.13 
			 Thames Valley 7.78 
			 West Yorkshire 7.32 
			 Northumbria 7.06 
			 Essex 5.89 
			 Durham 5.68 
			 Lancashire 5.57 
			 Gloucestershire 4.70 
			 Northamptonshire 3.83 
			 Sussex 3.62 
			 West Mercia 3.61 
			 Warwickshire 2.78 
			 Dyfed Powys 2.45 
			 City of London 2.44 
			 North Yorkshire 1.97 
			 Lincolnshire 1.73 
			 Dorset 1.34 
			 Bedfordshire 1.17 
		
	
	The performance of the Metropolitan Police Service (MRS), West Midlands, Hampshire, Merseyside and Gwent has impacted on the CRB's overall service standard for Enhanced Disclosures. Although the performance of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), South Wales, Staffordshire and Cambridgeshire has been below the SLA target the impact of their failure has been lessened by faster handover of cases to forces by the CRB during this period.
	From April 2006 a revised service level agreement (SLA) will come into effect between the CRB and the 43 police forces of England and Wales. This new agreement, which has been agreed by the association of Chief of Police Officers (ACPO) will place additional focus on delivery and the responsibility of Chief Officers and ACPO to ensure that the obligations within the SLA are met.

Criminal Records Checks

John Penrose: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department by how much the cost of a Criminal Records Bureau check is expected to change over the next five years.

Andy Burnham: CRB sought a 2 increase in Disclosure fees in 2006 to fund various initiatives while achieving self funding status. While the range of external dependencies associated with the initiatives makes it difficult to predict the scale and timing of their impact on fees over the next five years, the CRB expects any increases to be at or below inflation with, potentially, fee reductions in the later years.

Data-mining

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his answer of 20 March 2006, Official Report, column 114W, on data-mining, what checks and balances have been introduced since the practice of data-mining began.

Andy Burnham: As part of their role in protecting the confidentiality of statistical data within their care the Office for National Statistics has issued guidelines on the access of statistical data. Where statistical data includes data specifically collected through censuses and surveys for statistical purposes, as well as data derived from administrative systems. Details of the latest version of these guidelines can be found in the National Statistics code of practice: Protocol on Data Access and Confidentiality which can be accessed at: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/about_ns/cop/default.asp A statement that sets out how my Department fits into the code of practice can be found on the Home Office website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/statsprog1.html In addition, in November 2005 the Council for Science and Technology published their report'Better use of personal informationopportunities and risks of wider data sharing.'
	This report looks at practical ways we can better share personal data and the sorts of constraints and controls that need to be in place to retain a proper balance between achieving the benefits of promoting greater access and protecting the individual citizen. Paul Wiles, the Home Office chief scientific advisor, is working closely with colleagues across Government to develop a detailed action plan in response to this report on how the reports recommendations can be appropriately reflected in any future work done in this area.

Driving Offences

Ian Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to increase the penalty for driving whilst disqualified.

Paul Goggins: The Government have no plans to increase the penalty for driving while disqualified. However, we propose to increase penalties for illegal drivers (including disqualified drivers) who cause fatal accidents and we have included a new offence of causing death while driving disqualified, unlicensed or uninsured in the Road Safety Bill currently before Parliament.

Drug Treatment Programmes

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research he has commissioned on the levels of participation in the Government drug treatment programmes in the 10 most deprived constituencies in England and Wales.

Caroline Flint: I have been asked to reply.
	The Department has commissioned no studies on the levels of participation in drug treatment programmes in the 10 most deprived constituencies in England and Wales.
	For the latest numbers in treatment in the most deprived local authorities, I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 9 March 2006, Official Report, columns 166465W.

Khalid Rashid

George Galloway: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any employee of the Government was (a) involved in and (b) present at therendition of Khalid Rashid following his arrest on 31 October 2005 in Estcourt, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: It is the United Kingdom Government's understanding that Khalid Rashid was removed from South Africa on immigration grounds. This is a matter for the South African authorities.

Operation Trident

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 2 March 2006, Official Report, column 957W, on Operation Trident, what the figures were for each London borough not referred to in the answer.

Hazel Blears: The requested data are not collected centrally. Crime statistics for each London borough, including figures for gun-enabled crime, are published by the metropolitan police service and are available on their website at http://www.met.police.uk/crimefigures/.

Police

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 has been used in each police force area since its introduction.

Hazel Blears: The information requested is not collected centrally.

Police

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of members of the police officers' pension scheme joined the scheme (a) before the age of (i) 20, (ii) 25, (iii) 30, (iv) 35, (v) 40 and (vi) 45 and (b) when they were over 45 years.

Hazel Blears: The most recent figures relate to the membership of the police pension scheme as at 31 March 2003. The data collected included the pensionable service and date of birth of each member. From these data we can deduce age on entry into the scheme. However, this will not give the correct joining age in all casesfor instance where members have part-time service, career breaks, or have transferred in pensionable service from elsewhere.
	
		
			 Age at joining Percentage 
		
		
			 Under 20 24 
			 2024 46 
			 2529 21 
			 3034 6 
			 3539 2 
			 4044 1 
			 Over 44 0

Pornography

Si�n James: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent assessment he has made of the merits of commissioning research into the potential effects of hardcore pornography.

Paul Goggins: There has been no recent research commissioned specifically into the potential harm and influence of hardcore pornography. The last HO commissioned review of research in this areaPornography: Impacts and Influencesreported in 1990 and concluded that evidence of the adverse effects of pornography (in its broadest sense) was not clear cut.
	As part of the joint work which the Department of Health (DH) and the National Institute for Mental Health in England (NIMHE) are doing on the Victims of Violence and Abuse Prevention Programme (WAPP), a Rapid Evidence Assessment has been jointly commissioned by the DH and the Home Office to assess the evidence of harm relating to exposure specifically to violent and extreme pornographic material.

Pornography

Si�n James: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken (a) to restrict the availability and (b) to prevent the importation of violent pornography.

Paul Goggins: All published material, including violent pornography, is subject to the Obscene Publications Act 1959, which makes illegal the publication of an article whose effect, taken as a whole, is to tend to deprave and corrupt those likely to read, see or hear it. The responsibility for the prevention of the physical importation of obscene material lies with HM Revenue and Customs under section 42 of the Customs Consolidation Act 1876 and section 170(2) of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.
	The Obscene Publications Act applies equally to material published over the internet, though the overwhelming majority of potentially obscene material published on the internet originates abroad and beyond our jurisdiction. This raises a challenge to our controls on obscene material. The Government therefore recently undertook a consultation on proposals to make illegal the possession of a limited category of extreme pornographic material. The responses to this consultation are currently being considered.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much was spent on the provision of food (a) in total and (b) per prisoner per day at each prison in each of the last 10 years.

Fiona Mactaggart: Additional data before 2001 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Information about the cost of food at prisons operated by the contracted sector is not routinely collected and could also be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The table shows the cost of food for prisoners whose meals are directly provided by the public Prison Service in total and by prison. A copy of the table will be placed in the Library.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to improve the quality of catering in prisons.

Fiona Mactaggart: The National Audit Office report 'Serving Time: Prisoner Diet and Exercise' published on 9 March 2006 reported that the Prison Service has, in the past few years, improved the quality and range of meals as well as providing a well managed and professional catering service. I expect the Prison Service to continue improving the quality of catering by building on the progress already made.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average period of time per week available for physical exercise for inmates was at each prison in each of the last five years; what action he is taking to increase the (a) availability and (b) take-up of physical exercise; and if he will make a statement.

Fiona Mactaggart: The information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Availability and take up of PE is dependant on a whole range of factors including what facilities are provided and other competing regime demands. The Prison Service is committed to maximising the use and prisoner take up of PE facilities.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the work of the Prison Service's (a) catering and (b) physical education service.

Fiona Mactaggart: Providing meals and physical exercise for prisoners are key parts of a prisons regime. In 200405 the Prison Service served over 80 million meals and delivered over eight million hours of physical education while meeting the diverse needs of prisoners. Wherever possible both services provide purposeful activity and accredited training to help prisoners resettle into the community.

Prisons

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many inmates in (a) Coldingly, (b) Chelmsford, (c) Elmley, (d) Rochester, (e) Wormwood Scrubs, (f) Holloway and (g) Belmarsh prisons were found to be in the possession of drugs in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and what quantity of drugs was seized in each prison in each year.

Fiona Mactaggart: The information requested is not held centrally and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Security Industry Authority

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will revise the Security Industry Authority application procedure so that those who have submitted supporting documentation for one class of licence and have had those documents accepted do not have to resubmit the same items with a different class of licence application; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Goggins: Operational responsibility for licensing the private security industry lies with the Security Industry Authority (SIA), and it is for them to decide whether and how they might amend the application procedure. Since mid February the SIA have been working with CCTV and vehicle immobiliser companies to avoid them having to provide ID documents where an individual already has either a licence or an application which has already been checked and accepted, and where there have been no change of name or address.
	In these circumstances the SIA process applications through their temporary processing centre and only require an application form and details of the previous application. The SIA are currently extending this facility to security companies who may also have staff who require a second licence.

Security Industry Authority

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for theHome Department how many Security Industry Authority (SIA) licences have been issued to personnel working in alarm control centres; and how many SIA licence applications are yet to be processed.

Paul Goggins: holding answer 21 March 2006
	Individuals who undertake specific licensable activities in Remote Video Recording Centres but who do not pro-actively monitor members of the public may be licensable as security guards. Because RVRC is not a separate licensable sector it is not possible to provide this information.

Summonses

Michael Wills: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many summonses were issued in Swindon as a result of test-purchase operations or visits for alcohol offences other than selling alcohol to minors and those already under the influence of alcohol between 12 November 2004 and 24 December 2005.

Paul Goggins: Information on test-purchase operations and visits to licensed premises is not routinely collected by the Home Office. However, in the course of specific campaigns to tackle the misuse of alcohol, the Police Standards Unit collected data on test-purchase operations and visits carried out between: (a) 17 December 2004 and 3 January 2005, and (b) 14 November 2005 and 31 December 2005. No records were found of any test-purchase operations or visits in Swindon for the period 17 December 2004 to 3 January 2005. Between 14 November 2005 and 31 December 2005,10 test-purchase operations were carried out in Swindon, but no visits. No offences of any kind were detected during these test-purchase operations, and therefore no summonses were issued.

Summonses

Michael Wills: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many summonses were issued in Swindon as a result of (a) test-purchase operations and (b) visits for selling alcohol to people already under the influence of alcohol between 12 November 2004 and 24 December 2005.

Hazel Blears: Information on test-purchase operations and visits to licensed premises is not routinely collected by the Home Office. However, in the course of specific campaigns to tackle the misuse of alcohol, the Police Standards Unit collected data on test-purchase operations and visits carried out between (a) 17 December 2004 and 3 January 2005, and (b) 14 November 2005 and 31 December 2005.
	No records were found of any test-purchase operations or visits in Swindon for the period 17 December 2004 to 3 January 2005. Between 14 November 2005 and 31 December 2005, 10 test-purchase operations were carried out in Swindon, but no visits. No offences of any kind were detected during these test-purchase operations, and therefore no summonses were issued.

Young Persons in Care

Helen Southworth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the cost to the police service of action in response to a report to the police of a young person missing from a care establishment.

Hazel Blears: We have made no such estimate. Lancashire Constabulary has produced an estimate for the cost of a typical missing person's investigation, which they put at around 1,000 per investigation.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Afghanistan

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the Afghan provinces where opium poppy cultivation has decreased since 2001; and if he will make a statement.

Jack Straw: The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) conducts an annual survey into the level of opium poppy cultivation and production in Afghanistan. UNODC figures for 2005 show that the level of opium cultivation decreased over 2001 figures in Kabul, Logar and Paktya provinces. However, comparing current levels of cultivation with 2001 figures does not represent an accurate picture of total progress to date. This is because the base year coincided with the Taliban's prohibition on opium cultivation. While the ban was effective in reducing the area of land under poppy cultivation in 2001, the Taliban did nothing to provide alternatives to poppy farmers who consequently suffered considerable hardship. Furthermore, the ban did not apply to trafficking or processing activities and the Taliban regime manipulated the drug trade to benefit from the rise in prices, which resulted from the reduction in cultivation.
	Since the fall of the Taliban, the Government of Afghanistan has, with the support of the international community, made considerable progress in fighting narcotics. Last year UNODC reported a 21 per cent. reduction in poppy cultivation from 131,000 hectares (ha) in 200304 to 104,000 ha in 200405, with decreases recorded in a total of 19 provinces. More recently, the Government of Afghanistan has updated its National Drug Control Strategy to ensure the downward trend is sustained over time and that progress is also made in targeting the trafficker, developing legal rural livelihoods, reducing domestic demand and developing strong and effective institutions. Sustainable drug elimination strategies take time, but I believe that the National Drug Control Strategy represents the best means of making a sustainable impact on the trade in the medium term.

Afghanistan

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the arrest of an Afghan citizen for converting to Christianity.

Kim Howells: On 22 March 2006, I made a public statement expressing the Government's concern over the charges against Mr. Rahman. I am deeply troubled by the reports of this case. Individuals should be able to practice their faith or beliefs free from persecution. We take every opportunity to urge states to implement laws and practices which foster tolerance and mutual respect.
	Mr. Rahman has been released.

Afghanistan

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on human rights observance in Afghanistan, with particular reference to the freedom of religion.

Kim Howells: Although much progress has been made since the fall of the Taliban, the human rights situation in Afghanistan remains challenging. The Afghan Constitution provides for the protection of human rights and Article 2 provides for freedom of religion. The Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission monitors respect for human rights and protects them. Afghanistan has acceded to the six main International Human Rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which guarantees freedom of religion. We take cases of religious persecution seriously and make known our concerns to the Government of Afghanistan (GoA), both bilaterally and through the EU.
	In 2005, the GoA adopted the National Action Plan on Peace, Reconciliation and Justice, which sets out a three-year comprehensive strategy on transitional justice and endorsed a strategic framework for justice sector reform entitled Justice for All. The latter framework is divided into five areas of activity: law reform, institution-building, access to justice programs, traditional justice and co-ordination.

Afghanistan

David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Afghan government following the conviction of Abdul Rahman for the crime of apostasy.

Kim Howells: On 22 March, I made a public statement expressing the Government's concerns over the charges facing Mr. Rahman. I am deeply troubled by the reports of this case. Individuals should be able to practice their faith or beliefs free from persecution. We take every opportunity to urge states to implement laws and practices which foster tolerance and mutual respect.
	On 23 March my hon. Friend the Minister for Trade,Investment and Foreign Affairs (Ian Pearson), summoned the Afghan Charge, to relay our concerns. On the same day our ambassador in Kabul raised our concerns direct with the Afghan government.
	Mr. Rahman has been released.

Askariya Shrine

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreignand Commonwealth Affairs what support and assistance the UK Government are providing for the reconstruction of the Askariya shrine in Samara; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said on 23 February, the Government stand ready to contribute to the reconstruction of the Shrine site. We will be guided on how best we do this by our friends within the Muslim communities in Iraq and Britain.

Capita Group

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many tenders (a) Capita plc and (b) its subsidiaries have submitted to his Department in each of the last three years; and how many tenders were successful.

Jack Straw: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has no record of any tenders submitted by Capita plc in 2004. Out of five tenders submitted in 2005 by Capita plc, three were successful. Capita submitted one tender in 2006. This was unsuccessful.
	The FCO has no record of any tenders submitted by subsidiaries of Capita plc in the last three years.

Capita Group

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many contracts his Department holds with (a) Capita plc and (b) its subsidiaries which have a potential duration of five years or more.

Jack Straw: None.

Egypt

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of reports that British citizens were tortured while in detention in Egypt.

Kim Howells: We condemn the use of torture and take any allegations of torture or mistreatment extremely seriously. My hon. Friend the former Foreign and Commonwealth Office Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Chris Mullin) and my noble Friend the former Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister of State (right hon. Baroness Symons), have each raised with the Egyptian Foreign Minister claims of torture made by British citizens held in detention in Egypt.

Eritrea

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Eritrea about expulsion of United Nations negotiators from that country; and if he will make a statement.

Ian Pearson: My noble Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister for Africa, Lord Triesman of Tottenham, summoned the Eritrean ambassador on 9 December 2005 to make clear the EU's concern about Eritrea's decision to expel monitors of certain nationalities serving with the UN Mission to Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE). We also supported a UN Security Council Presidential Statement, which declared that the Eritrean action was unacceptable and demanded its immediate and unequivocal reversal without preconditions. The full text of the statement can be found on the UN website at: http://daccessdds.un.orR/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N05/643/03/PDF/N0564303.pdf?OpenElement. We continue to urge both parties to implement the boundary commission's decision and demarcate their common frontier and for Eritrea to lift its restrictions on UNMEE and allow it to fulfil its mandate.

Indonesia

Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on human rights in Indonesia.

Ian Pearson: The human rights situation in Indonesia has improved considerably in the last few years. Indonesia has a flourishing free media and an increasingly liberal and plural political environment and a democratically elected President and Parliament. The successful peace process in Aceh is an indication of the Government's willingness to resolve long-standing conflicts.
	There are sporadic incidents of inter-religious violence in certain religiously mixed areas which have adversely affected both Christians and Muslims. However, these have decreased in recent years and the Government of Indonesia is working to ensure good inter-communal relations, including by working with Muslim and Christian community leaders to reduce tensions. In September 2005, President Yudhoyono stressed that the state guaranteed every citizen religious freedom and called on the police and public to act to prevent violence against any faith.
	We raise reports of human rights abuses in Papua with the Indonesian Government, and encourage them to allow access to the province for journalists.

Iran

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreignand Commonwealth Affairs how much the UK spent on promoting democracy in Iran in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

Jack Straw: Encouraging respect for human rights and political freedoms is a key element of our approach towards Iran. We do not take sides in Iran's internal political debatesthese are for Iranians themselves to resolvebut seek to promote the internationally recognised principles to which many Iranians aspire including freedom of speech and transparent, genuinely democratic and accountable government.
	In line with long-standing EU policy, we are committed to supporting political reform. We continue to support the development of governmental and non-governmental organisations where opportunities arise. We do not publicise the details without the consent of our Iranian partners. The EU has allocated around 4.4 million to projects in Iran under the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights. Three projects, to which the EU has allocated a total of 2.9 million, are implemented by United Nations agencies. A further lm project was launched in January 2005.
	Remedying the deficiencies in the democratic process will be a long-term process. In our private dialogue and public statements we continue to press the Iranian authorities on the need for reform. As I made clear in my speech to the International Institute of Strategic Studies on 13 March, this is an area where I believe the UK and EU should become more active.

Iraq

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with Iraqi (a) officials and (b) leaders on the establishment of the new government.

Kim Howells: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary maintains regular telephone contact with Iraqi political leaders. He last visited Iraq on 2021 February. He met a broad range of key political figures involved in the negotiations on the formation of a new government, including President Talabani, Prime Minister Ja'afari and leaders of the main Kurdish, Sunni Arab and Shia parties.

Iraq

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether station heads in Iraq have advised his Department that shipments of arms exported to Iraq from the United Kingdom may have been diverted to Al-Qaeda operatives.

Kim Howells: We are not aware of any official reports of UK supplied equipment being diverted to insurgents. We are, however, aware of media reports alleging that part of a consignment of used Italian police pistols, delivered to Iraq via a UK company, fell into the hands of insurgents.
	All UK licences are assessed for the risk of diversion against the EU and National Consolidated Arms Export Licensing Criteria. Where the risk is considered too high a licence will not be issued. Arms are needed in Iraq to allow the Government of Iraq and the Multinational Force to effectively carry out their roles. Without these arms, their functions would be seriously affected.

Libya

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much trade and investment has been agreed with Libya since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: UK Trade and Investment provides a full range of services to British companies wishing to trade with or invest in Libya, through commercial teams based in both the UK and the our embassy in Tripoli. This includes inward and outward trade missions, trade fairs and the provision of up-to-date information on the business environment in Libya.
	There are no official figures on the level of British investment in Libya, neither are there figures for invisible exports to the country. However, over 50 UK-based companies have established branch offices in Libya in order to pursue their trade and investment interests. Visible exports from Britain were worth over 210 million in 2005, a slight fall on the figure of 216 million recorded in 2004. British trade and investment is focused primarily on Libya's rapidly developing oil and gas sector, in which Shell has a major stake. In May 2005, Shell reached agreement on a major gas exploration and development deal with Libya's National Oil Company, which will involve a minimum investment of around US $300 million, by far the biggest investment in Libya by a British company.

Maldives

Gary Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of recent democratic reforms in the Maldives pursuant to the road maps announced by President Gayoom; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: We strongly support continued democratic reform in the Maldives. We have been regularly encouraging the Government of the Maldives to quickly put in place a clear, time-bound framework with objectives and milestones for further progress. We hope the road-map that President Gayoom referred to at the official opening of the Maldivian Parliament on 23 February will provide this. We understand the road-map is due to be published by the end of March 2006.
	We welcome the important democratic changes that the Government of the Maldives have already introduced, including the legalisation of political parties in June 2005.
	Much remains to be done. Agreement on and implementation of further major democratic and constitutional changes will require an inclusive process reflecting the views of political parties, civil society and the general public in the Maldives. Dialogue between the political parties is essential. We fully support the work of the Commonwealth Secretary-General's Special Envoy and the Commonwealth Secretariat in facilitating dialogue on constitutional reform between the political parties.
	A genuine commitment to democracy requires all stakeholders to live up to the spirit as well as the letter of reform. We continue to urge the Government to do all in their power to remove potential obstacles to dialogue, including addressing the issue of legal actions which are seen to be politically motivated. Officials did so when they met the Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr.Ahmed Shaheed in London on 21 March. We also regularly urge the opposition to engage constructively, within the law and the current constitution.

Mujahedin-e Khalq

David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last made representations to the European Union on the continued proscription of the Mujahedin-e Khalq Organisation; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: The Mujahedin-e Khalq Organisation (MEK) is a proscribed terrorist organisation in the United Kingdom. The MEK appears on the list of persons, groups and entities which are subject to restrictive measures with a view to combating terrorism under Council Regulation 2580/2001-EC. The Court of First Instance of the European Communities is currently scrutinising the process by which the MEK was included on that list, and the UK has made representations to the Court. Judgment in that case is awaited.

Mujahedin-e Khalq

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what security arrangements are in place for members of the Mujahedin-e Khalq Organisation at Camp Ashraf in Iraq;
	(2)  what plans he has assessed for the protection of Mujahedin-e Khalq Organisation members at Camp Ashraf when the UK and the US disengage from Iraq.

Kim Howells: The Iraqi Government is responsible for the security of Camp Ashraf in Iraq. At their request, Multi-National Forces in Iraq (MNF-I) currently provide perimeter security at the camp. The Iraqi Government will remain responsible for the protection of Camp Ashraf when the MNF-I leaves Iraq.

Mujahedin-e Khalq

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Mujahedin-e Khalq since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Kim Howells: The Mujahedin-e Khalq Organisation is a proscribed terrorist organisation in the United Kingdom. It is Government policy that Ministers and officials do not have contact with proscribed groups.

Mujahedin-e Khalq

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of members of the Mujahedin-e Khalq Organisation that have been disarmed by coalition forces in Iraq since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Kim Howells: Since April 2003, approximately 4,000 Mujahedin-e Khalq Organisation members have been disarmed by US forces at a number of locations in Iraq.

National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'-s of the United Kingdom concerning the Foreign Affairs Committee report on the Human Rights Annual Report 2005; and if he will make a statement.

Ian Pearson: Officials regularly meet representatives from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is to discuss the deteriorating situation faced by Baha'is in Iran. In addition, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is attended a meeting on 23 March of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's (FCO) advisory panel on religious freedom. The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is has also discussed the written evidence that they gave to the Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) with officials from the FCO. We understand that the Baha'i Assembly is concerned that some elements of the evidence they submitted to the FAC appear to have been misinterpreted. Baha'i representatives noted that they supported the overall tone of the FCO Annual Human Rights Report as well as Government policy with respect to human rights in Iran.

Sudan

Sally Keeble: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreignand Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the government of Sudan to ensure that (a) Ms Amouna Mohamed Ahmed, (b) Ms Fayza Ismail Abaker, (c) Ms Houda Ismail Abdel Rahman and (d) Ms Zahra Adam Abdella, who were arrested on 7 March, are properly treated in custody and receive a fair trial.

Ian Pearson: We are in close contact with the UN and Human Rights groups about the case of four women detained in El Serief camp on 7 March. The UN have confirmed that the four women have not been physically abused and have access to their lawyer and family. The Sudanese Organisation against Torture, which is partly funded by the UK, is providing free legal aid to the women. We have also instructed our Embassy in Khartoum to make representations to the Government of Sudan on this case.

Venezuela

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Venezuelan Government on political prisoners in Venezuela.

Douglas Alexander: We have had no discussions about political prisoners in Venezuela with the Venezuelan Government. However, we have regular exchanges with the Venezuelan Government and other political institutions in the country, including civil society organisations, about the development of democracy and protection of human rights in Venezuela.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Bed Tax

Tim Farron: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the implications for tourist businesses of the Lyons Inquiry recommendation that people staying in hotels and bed-and-breakfast accommodation should pay a bed tax; and what assessment he has made of the representations on this recommendation from the tourist industry.

Phil Woolas: The Lyons Inquiry has made no such recommendation.

Business Growth Incentive Scheme

Philip Hammond: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the intended purpose is of the Local Authority Business Growth Incentive Scheme.

Phil Woolas: The Local Authority Business Growth Incentive Scheme (LABGI) was designed to provide an incentive for local authorities to promote economic growth in their area, by allowing them to be rewarded for an increase in business rateable value, above a certain threshold level.

Controlled Parking Zones

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much each London local authority spent on consultation on controlled parking zones (a) in eachyear since 1997 and (b) in each month since May 2003.

Phil Woolas: The information requested is not collected centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Council Tax

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether billing authorities are able to levy backdated interest on (a) late council tax payments and (b) retrospective payments made as a result of a council tax discount being incorrectly claimed.

Phil Woolas: No interest is payable on late council tax payments or any retrospective payments. A system to include interest payments could be operated only at disproportionate cost. Equally, no interest is payable on council tax overpayments.

Council Tax

Grant Shapps: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to review the operation of student council tax exemption.

Phil Woolas: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's Working Group for Local Government Financial Statistics, which comprises representatives of central and local Government, will consider the student council tax exemption figures used for grant calculation purposes.
	Sir Michael Lyons's Independent Inquiry into Local Government is reviewing the council tax system, including discounts and exemptions. The inquiry is due to report by December 2006.

Council Tax

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will take steps to reduce the council tax exemption threshold for people serving apprenticeships.

Phil Woolas: A full council tax bill assumes that there are at least two adults living in a dwelling. Where there is only one adult living in the dwelling the overall bill is reduced by 25 per cent. Certain people are disregarded for the purposes of calculating the household's bill. In the case of apprentices the disregard is in part dependent on their earning less than a prescribed level of income. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will shortly be consulting on whether the apprentice earnings limit should be increased and, if so, by how much.

Fire Precaution Regulations

John McDonnell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many prohibition notices were issued by the fire and rescue services in England in accordance with Regulation 12 of the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 (as amended) and section 10 of the Fire Precautions Act 1971 (as amended) in each year since 1997, broken down by issuing authority.

Jim Fitzpatrick: All prohibition and restriction of use notices are issued under section 10 of the Fire Precautions Act 1971. The effect of Regulation 12 of the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 (as amended) is to extend the scope of section 10 of the 1971 Act to cover tents and other moveable structures where people are employed to work; and places of work in the open air .
	Information on prohibition notices issued by the fire and rescue services in England in accordance with section 10 of the Fire Precautions Act 1971 (as amended) is available centrally from 199899.
	The information presented is 'as reported' to ODPM by fire and rescue services on the annual FSR4F return.
	
		Number of notices served by fire and rescue authorities prohibiting or restricting the use of premises
		
			  199899 19992000 200001 200102 200203 200304 200405(40) 
		
		
			 Avon 0 1 0 4 1 0 0 
			 Bedfordshire and Luton 0 1 4 1 1 0 0 
			 Buckinghamshire 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 
			 Cambridgeshire 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 
			 Cheshire 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 
			 Cleveland 1 6 1 0 4 2 0 
			 Cornwall 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 
			 County Durham and Darlington 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 
			 Cumbria 4 0 0 0 4 0 1 
			 Derbyshire 2 1 3 5 9 6 8 
			 Devon 1 0 1 1 6 2 6 
			 Dorset 1 1 0 4 1 3 3 
			 East Sussex 1 0  2 0 2 1 
			 Essex 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 
			 Gloucestershire 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 
			 Greater Manchester 3 12 19 188 121 85 74 
			 Hampshire 2 0 1 3 1 4 10 
			 Hereford and Worcester 7 2 2 0 0 0 0 
			 Hertfordshire 1 0 0 0 0 9 4 
			 Humberside 1 1 0 4 3 1 1 
			 Isle of Wight 2 2 0 6 0 0 0 
			 Isles of Scilly 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Kent 1 1 7 4 2 0 3 
			 Lancashire 6 5 11 7 6 14 12 
			 Leicestershire 0 0 0 1 0 4 0 
			 Lincolnshire 0 0 n/a 0 0 0 2 
			 London 11 36 14 14 28 22 34 
			 Merseyside 3 1 0 0 2 0 1 
			 Norfolk 0 1 3 11 6 2 4 
			 North Yorkshire 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 
			 Northamptonshire 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 
			 Northumberland 0 0 0 0 1 0 n/a 
			 Nottinghamshire 5 2 2 0 1 4 2 
			 Oxfordshire 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 
			 Royal Berkshire 11 3 9 13 11 5 n/a 
			 Shropshire 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 
			 Somerset 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 
			 South Yorkshire 1 0 2 1 0 7 1 
			 Staffordshire 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 
			 Suffolk 1 1 2 2 6 0 4 
			 Surrey 9 8 6 6 18 12 12 
			 Tyne and Wear 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Warwickshire 2 2 10 2 3 1 0 
			 West Midlands 4 2 8 11 8 10 11 
			 West Sussex 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 
			 West Yorkshire 19 19 22 22 12 8 3 
			 Wiltshire 0 0 0 0 7 1 1 
			 
			  104 112 131 314 264 215 214 
		
	
	n/a=Not available
	(40)Provisional
	Source:
	Annual returns from fire and rescue services

Home Buyers Packs

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether he plans to bring forward secondary legislation to allow public sector bodies to have access to the new register of home condition reports.

Yvette Cooper: The only people who will have access to the registers of home condition reports will be buyers and sellers, their advisers and mortgage lenders and those monitoring the performance and quality of the reports. The secondary legislation will be framed accordingly.

Iraqi/Afghan Communities

Keith Vaz: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many meetings he has had with representatives of (a) Iraqi and (b) Afghan communities living in the UK in each of the last three years.

Phil Woolas: The information is not collected centrally.
	The Deputy Prime Minister has a wide range and number of meetings in his role as Deputy Prime Minister, First Secretary of State, Member of Parliament and Constituency MP.
	The Government aims to achieve constructive dialogue with the broad range of faith communities and is supporting and encouraging interfaith and multi-faith activities and dialogue.

Local Government Expenditure

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what proportion of local government total assumed spending was made up of specific grants in each year since 199798; and what the estimated figure is for 200607.

Phil Woolas: The percentage of local government revenue expenditure financed by specific grants in each year since 199798 to 200506 is tabled as follows. The information requested for 200607 is not available yet.
	
		
			  Percentage of local government revenue expenditure 
		
		
			 199798 4 
			 199899 5 
			 19992000 5 
			 200001 8 
			 200102 11 
			 200203 14 
			 200304 18 
			 200405 18 
			 200506 15 
		
	
	Source:
	Revenue Summary (RS) returns to 200405 and Revenue Accounts (RA) budget returns for 200506.
	The table is presented on a non-financial reporting standard 17 (FRS17) basis.
	The definition of local government revenue expenditure used here is that expenditure funded from aggregate external finance (AEF), council tax and authorities' reserves. AEF is Central Government revenue funding that comprises Formula grant (Revenue Support Grant, Redistributed business rates and Police Grant), General Greater London Authority (GLA) Grant and specific grants inside AEF, i.e. revenue grants paid for council's core services. The definition of specific grants used here is the specific grants inside AEF.
	Comparisons across years may not be valid due to changing local authority responsibilities.

Local Government Restructuring

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what meetings (a) he has and (b) Ministers in his Department have had with the Prime Minister concerning local government restructuring.

Phil Woolas: My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister meets the Prime Minister regularly to discuss a wide range of issues. Ministers from his Department also attend meetings with the Prime Minister at which a variety of issues are raised.

Mobile Phone Masts

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1) what the planning process is for applications for new (a) pico cell, (b) micro cell and (c) macro cell mobile phone masts;
	(2)  whether planning permission is required to upgrade a 2G/2.5G mobile phone mast to 3G.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The terms picocell, microcell and macrocell are industry terms to distinguish different types of radio base stations. However, there is no industry standard or agreement on the specific types of base station to which each term applies and therefore these terms are not helpful for determining whether planning permission is required or not.
	In general terms a picocell is typically smaller than a microcell, although the distinction is not always clear. Picocell base stations are usually used to extend coverage to indoor areas where outdoor signals do not reach well, or to add network capacity in areas with very dense phone usage, such as train stations. The planning system cannot extend to changes inside a building unless there are internal features which have been listed. Other picocells antenna and small microcell antenna might be considered de minimis, i.e. it does not have a material effect on the external appearance of the building or structure on which it is installed and therefore will not require planning permission.
	Otherwise all electronic communications development will require planning permission unless it is development permitted by Part 24 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, as amended. Whether planning permission is required to upgrade an existing mobile phone mast to a 3G mobile phone mast will need to be determined on a case by case basis.
	It should be noted that simply because small developments may not need planning permission it does not mean that there is no public consultation. The code of best practice that was produced jointly by central and local government and the mobile phone industry is clear that every potential site is rated using the Traffic Light Model. This model determines the level of public consultation that will be required if the site is selected for the installation.

Muslim Communities

Keith Vaz: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many meetings he has had with representatives of (a) UK Muslim communities and (b) UK Muslim youth groups in each of the last three years.

Phil Woolas: This information is not collected centrally.
	The Deputy Prime Minister has a wide range and number of meetings in his role as Deputy Prime Minister, First Secretary of State, Member of Parliament and Constituency MP.
	The Government aims to achieve constructive dialogue with the broad range of faith communities and is supporting and encouraging interfaith and multi-faith activities and dialogue.

Pavement Maintenance

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much each London local authority spent on maintaining pavements in each year since 1997.

Phil Woolas: The information requested is not collected centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Pavement Maintenance

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much each London local authority spent on compensation for injuries caused by damaged pavements in each year since 1997.

Phil Woolas: The information requested is not collected centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Public Relations/Advertising

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much each London local authority spent on public relations and advertising (a) in each year since 1997 and (b) in each month since May 2003.

Phil Woolas: The information requested is not collected centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Regional Bodies

Robert Syms: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what proportion of the staff of regional bodies are (a) male and (b) female.

Phil Woolas: For the Government offices for the region I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 23 March 2006, Official Report, column 528W.
	The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not hold the information requested about any other regional bodies, this information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Voluntary and Community Sectors (Funding)

Iain Wright: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if his Department will increase the funding it makes available to the voluntary and community sectors.

Phil Woolas: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister already makes a significant amount of funding available to the voluntary and community sectors, including through local area agreements, community empowerment networks, groundwork federation, special grants programme and new deal for communities.
	We have no current plans to increase funding to the voluntary and community sectors.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Agri-environment Programme

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what funding has been allocated for the agri-environment programme in 200607; and how much has been spent on the programme to date.

Angela Smith: The agri-environment budget for the current scheme year, which commenced on 16 October 2005, is 12.25 million. Expenditure to date totals 5.4 million.

City of Derry

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will place in the Library a copy of all the legal advice received by the Department of the Environment since 26 March 2003 regarding the official name of the City of Derry.

Angela Smith: It is not the Government's practice to disclose legal advice.

Cleaner Neighbourhoods

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects the cleaner neighbourhoods consultation to commence; what format he expects it to take; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Smith: An initial cleaner neighbourhoods consultation document seeking views on a range of local environmental quality issues in Northern Ireland is expected to be issued by the Department of Environment by the end of May 2006.

Coastal Erosion

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of Statefor Northern Ireland 
	(1)  what recent assessment he has made of coastal erosion around Northern Ireland;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the incidence of coastal erosion around Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith: A comprehensive report on Implications for Climate Change for Northern Ireland: Informing Strategy Development, published in 2002 by the Scotland and Northern Ireland Forum for Environmental Research (SNIFFER), examined the likely impacts of climate change across a wide range of sectors, including coastal impacts. Findings included loss of intertidal areas of open coasts, loss of marshes with associated habitat and erosion of dune coasts.
	The DOE has recently commissioned SNIFFER to provide an updated report. The study will incorporate a risk assessment and will recommend adaptation strategies for the key impacts identified. Coastal impacts will be included. The work is due to be completed by the end of 2006. It will also help inform Northern Ireland's input into wider UK policy.
	Coastal erosion is a natural phenomenon and no overall assessment of its incidence has been made but the relevant statutory agencies do monitor and, where necessary, respond to incidences of such erosion which might affect services for which they are responsible.

Draft Planning Policy Statement 14

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment has been made of the impact of draft Planning Policy Statement 14 on small rural building contractors.

Shaun Woodward: The Department carried out a wide-ranging public consultation during the preparation of draft Planning Policy Statement 14Sustainable Development in the Countryside which included an invitation to public consultation through the publication of an Issues Paper in June 2004. As part of the follow-up process, officials met with a range of groups and political parties, including the Construction Employers Federation.

Forkhill Site

Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consultation has taken place with the people of Forkhill, County Armagh regarding the future use of the former army and police base site.

Don Touhig: I have been asked to reply.
	Officials from the Defence Estates, the MOD agency with responsibility for the defence estate, met Northern Ireland Office officials and other local representatives on 16 January 2006 to discuss the disposal of the former Army and police base at Forkhill and other sites in Northern Ireland.
	Although interest has been expressed in the site by the Northern Ireland Social Development Office no decisions on future use have yet been taken. However, the opportunity was taken to explain the normal procedures that must be followed by MOD in the disposal of this and other sites in Northern Ireland that we have declared surplus to operational requirements.

Planning

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average time taken to process planning applications in Northern Ireland was in January (a) 2005 and (b) 2006.

Angela Smith: It took an average of 31 weeks to process planning applications on which decisions issued in January 2005 and 36.5 weeks to process those applications on which decisions issued in January 2006.
	Processing times have increased but this should be set in the context that there was an increase of over 13 per cent. (2,942 decisions) in the number of decisions issued between April 2005 and January 2006 compared to the number of decisions issued in the same period the previous year.

Rateable Values (New Build)

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many newly-built properties in Northern Ireland were waiting to have their rateable value calculated as at 1 March 2006.

Angela Smith: The Valuation and Lands Agency is notified by local authority building controls when construction commences on a new property and after allowing some nine months for completion, the Agency lists the new properties for valuation.
	At 1 March 2006 there were 9,742 such listings being actioned or awaiting action on final completion of construction. This is an historically high figure reflecting the fact the Agency is in the process of finalising the new capital value based rateable values for all 700,000 domestic properties in Northern Ireland, which are due to be published at the end of June this year. The hon. Member may be interested to note that the Agency values, on average, some 15,300 new properties per annum.

Rateable Values (New Build)

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what average length of time was taken to calculate the rateable values of newly-built properties in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years; and what steps are being taken to reduce the time.

Angela Smith: The precise data that the hon. Member has requested is not available. The Valuation and Lands Agency does, however, focus on the critical time period for ratepayers: the gap between the date of occupation and the date of valuation assessment and billing. The Agency, recognising the ratepayer's desire to avoid substantial demands for backdated rates, has for many years targeted its performance on this time period, striving to improve the overall outcome.
	The current target is to issue at least 90 per cent. of all those rating revision cases (excluding domestic alterations), which are subject to retrospective backdating, within 12 months of the revision date. The out-turn for this key target over the last five years is as follows.
	
		
			  Percentage 
		
		
			 200001 93 
			 200102 94 
			 200203 92 
			 200304 Not reported on(41) 
			 200405 90 
		
	
	(41)This was the year following the publication of the 2003 non-domestic revaluation when backdating was limited by statute to 1 April 2003.
	Conscious of the importance of achieving early and accurate valuation and billing for all stakeholdersratepayers, local authorities and Governmentthe Agency has sought not merely to improve on these figures but to achieve a step change in performance. To this end the Agency, in April 2005, entered into a joint project with Belfast city council (building control) for the timely provision by the council of full survey details on all changes to properties (including new builds).
	In Belfast this project has significantly reduced the average time involvement by the Agency and increased productivity almost threefold. No comparable backdating figures are yet available, but a substantial improvement is anticipated.
	We are currently in the process of extending the project to include Derry and Lisburn city councils later in 2006 and eventually, by agreement, to all councils.

Roads Maintenance Budget

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment has been made of the effect on the construction and aggregates industry of changes in the roads maintenance budget.

Shaun Woodward: The chief executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question.
	Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbin, dated 28 March 2006
	You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question regarding what assessment has been made of the effect of changes in the roads maintenance budget on the construction and aggregates industry.
	I have been asked to reply as this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service.
	In doing so I should perhaps explain that in the last 3 years a total of some 735m has been spent on developing and maintaining the road network in Northern Ireland. Some 495m has been invested in revenue activities, including maintenance, with a further 240m on capital. Over the next 10 years the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland envisages that some 1.9 billion will be invested in road improvements subject to the availability of resources in future budget rounds, economic appraisals and statutory approvals.
	Expenditure this year, coupled with the Revised Budget allocations, suggests that about 170m will be invested in roads' structural maintenance in the three years to 2007/08. When assessing budget figures, a single year's allocation is of course important, but it is also important to see these figures over a cycle.
	You may be aware that the Minister for Regional Development, Shaun Woodward MP recently met with your colleague Margaret Ritchie MLA and members of the local Quarry Products Association (QPA) to discuss the outcome of the Budget and Priorities 20062008 and the impact on the structural maintenance budget. In addition senior officials from Roads Service have also held a number of meetings with the QPA.
	I fully appreciate the concerns of the road building industry about the funding for structural maintenance and can assure you that Roads Service will be making a strong case for an increase in the structural maintenance budget to the Department of Finance and Personnel as part of the input to the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review.
	In the interim, we will continue to make the best use of our resources to develop and maintain the road network.
	I hope this information is helpful.

Vacant Commercial Premises

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much additional revenue he expects to be raised in Northern Ireland in each year following the decision to cease exemption for rates on vacant commercial premises.

Angela Smith: The rating of vacant commercial property was introduced on 1 April 2004. The revenue raised in 200405 was 5 million, of which 2.8 million was in respect of regional rate, with the balance being in respect of the district rate.
	For 200607 and 200708, the recent priorities and budget process contains forecast revenue for the regional rate element of 2.9 million and 3.0 million respectively. The figures for the district rate element will depend on the increases determined by the individual district councils.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Benefit Payment

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether it is the Government's intention that eventually all distinctions should be abolished between the benefits paid to people who are capable of work and those who are incapable of work.

James Plaskitt: We want a simpler and more transparent benefits system and aim to remove any distinctions that are not necessary to reflect real differences in capacity to work or financial need. Our Green Paper, A new deal for welfare: empowering people to work set out our longer-term vision of a single gateway to financial and back to work support for all claimants and a single system of working age benefits, with appropriate additions for people who have a long-term illness or disability.

Benefit Recipients

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many (a) housing benefit and (b) council tax benefit recipients are in receipt of earned income.

James Plaskitt: The most recent available information is for May 2004; at that date, there were 300,000 housing benefit households and 277,000 council tax benefit households declaring earned income.

Benefit Recipients

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many (a) housing benefit and (b) council tax benefit recipients are in receipt of incapacity benefit at (i) the short term lower rate, (ii) the short term higher rate and are terminally ill, (iii) the short term higher rate and are not terminally ill and (iv) the long term rate.

James Plaskitt: Information is not available broken down to identify those with terminal illnesses. The most recent available information is in the table.
	
		Housing benefit and council tax benefit households declaring an income from incapacity benefit; by rate of incapacity benefit: Great Britain, May 2004
		
			 Rate of incapacity benefit Housing benefit Council tax benefit 
		
		
			 Short termlower 22,000 26,000 
			 Short termhigher 21,000 27,000 
			 Long term 368,000 440,000 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Numbers are rounded to the nearest thousand.
	2. Housing benefit and council tax benefit data refers to households and may be a single person or a couple.
	3. Housing benefit figures exclude any Extended Payment cases.
	4. Council tax benefit figures exclude any Single Adult Rebate cases.
	5. Figures refer to cases where the claimant and/or partner have income declared from incapacity benefit but they exclude credits-only incapacity benefit cases.
	Source:
	Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Management Information System, Annual 1 per cent. sample, taken in May 2004.

Benefit Recipients

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in (a) Torbay unitary authority and (b) Torbay parliamentary constituency received (i) housing benefit, (ii) income support and (iii) council tax benefit in each year since 1997.

James Plaskitt: Housing benefit and council tax benefit information is not available broken down by parliamentary constituency. The available information is in the tables.
	
		Housing benefit and council tax benefit recipients in the Torbay council area: each August from 1997 to 2005
		
			  Housing benefit Council tax benefit 
		
		
			 1997 10,400 13,500 
			 1998 10,400 13,300 
			 1999 9,200 12,000 
			 2000 9,100 12,000 
			 2001 9,100 12,100 
			 2002 9,100 12,100 
			 2003 9,500 12,500 
			 2004 9,700 13,400 
			 2005 9,700 13,700 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Numbers are rounded to the nearest hundred.
	2. HB/CTB data refer to households and may be a single person or a couple.
	3. HB figures exclude any extended payment cases.
	4. CTB figures exclude any single adult rebate cases.
	Source:
	Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Management Information System Quarterly 100 per cent. case load stock-count taken between August 1997 and August 2005.
	
		Income support recipients in the Torbay council area and in the Torbay parliamentary constituency: each August from1997 to 2005
		
			  Torbay council Torbay parliamentary constituency 
		
		
			 1997 6,400 4,800 
			 1998 6,300 4,800 
			 1999 6,000 4,600 
			 2000 5,900 4,500 
			 2001 6,000 4,600 
			 2002 5,900 4,600 
			 2003 5,900 4,600 
			 2004 5,800 4,500 
			 2005 5,700 4,400 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Figures are rounded to the nearest hundred.
	2. Figures for 1997 and 1998 have been derived by applying 5 per cent. proportions to 100 per cent. WPLS totals.
	3. Pension credit replaced minimum income guarantee (MIG) on 6 October 2003. MIG cases have been excluded from the figures to keep the time series consistent.
	Source:
	DWP Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study (WPLS) and Information Directorate, 5 per cent. samples.

Benefits (Transitional Relief)

Julian Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on which occasions since 1990 transitional relief has been provided as part of a benefit rule change.

James Plaskitt: The information can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Council Tax

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what estimate he has made using the Government's standard measure of the number of households paying council tax which are in poverty;
	(2)  what estimate he has made using the Government's standard measure of the number of children in poverty who are in council tax paying households.

Margaret Hodge: holding answer 8 March 2006
	The seventh annual 'Opportunity for all' report (Cm 6673) sets out the Government's strategy for tackling poverty and social exclusion and reports progress against a range of indicators. The report includes headline indicators on the number and proportion of children and adults living in low income households, also published in Households Below Average Income 199495200405, available in the Library.
	The figures given in the tables show people who are paying any amount of council tax, many of them will be receiving some council tax benefit but not the full amount.
	(i) The estimate of the number of households that report paying council tax, with incomes below 60 per cent. of contemporary mediana measure of 'relative' low incomeare presented in the table.
	
		Number of households with incomes less than 60 per cent. of contemporary median paying council tax, 200405, Great Britain
		
			  Paying council tax and in relative low income All relative low income households All households 
		
		
			 Before housing costs 2,800,000 4,100,000 24,600,000 
			 After housing costs 3,100,000 4,800,000 24,600,000 
		
	
	The estimate of the number of households that report paying council tax, with incomes below 60 per cent. of 199697 GB mediana measure of 'absolute' low incomeare presented in the table.
	
		Number of households with incomes less than 60 per cent. of 199697 median paying council tax, 200405, Great Britain
		
			  Paying council tax and in absolute low income All absolute low income households All households 
		
		
			 Before housing costs 1,800,000 2,400,000 24,600,000 
			 After housing costs 1,900,000 3,000,000 24,600,000 
		
	
	(ii) The estimate of the number of children living in households that report paying council tax, with incomes below 60 per cent. of contemporary mediana measure of 'relative' low incomeare presented in the table.
	
		Number of children living in households with incomes less than 60 per cent. of contemporary median paying council tax, 200405,Great Britain
		
			  Paying council tax and in relative low income All relative low income households All children 
		
		
			 Before housing costs 1,500,000 2,400,000 12,600,000 
			 After housing costs 1,900,000 3,400,000 12,600,000 
		
	
	The estimate of the number of children living in households that report paying council tax, with incomes below 60 per cent. of 199697 GB mediana measure of 'absolute' low incomeare presented in the table.
	
		Number of children living in households with incomes less than 60 per cent. of 199697 median paying council tax, 200405, Great Britain
		
			  Paying council tax and in absolute low income All absolute low income households All children 
		
		
			 Before housing costs 900,000 1,400,000 12,600,000 
			 After housing costs 1,100,000 1,900,000 12,600,000 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Households 'paying council tax' includes households in receipt of a partial council tax benefit award.
	2. Figures rounded to the nearest 100 thousand.
	3. Incomes below 60 per cent. of contemporary median is a measure of 'relative' low income.
	4. Incomes below 60 per cent. of 199697 GB mediana measure of 'absolute' low income.
	Source:
	Family Resources Survey

Departmental Policies

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to Islington, South and Finsbury constituency, the effects on Islington, South and Finsbury of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997.

Margaret Hodge: We have undertaken a fundamental overhaul of the welfare system, transforming it to an active system that fights poverty, creates opportunity and helps people become self-sufficient and independent.
	Since 2001, the Government have significantly extended and improved civil rights for disabled people in areas such as employment, education, access to goods and services and transport. Disabled people in Islington South and Finsbury will have benefited from these improvements in disability rights. Similarly, families with severely disabled three and four-year-old children who are unable, or virtually unable to walk will have benefited from the Government's decision to lower the minimum age entitlement to the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance from April 2001, while older and less well off carers have gained extra help through the provisions within the National Carers Strategy.
	In 200405 we estimate there were over 10 million disabled people (around 9.7 million adults and 0.7 million children) in Great Britain. All of these people would meet the definition of disability in the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
	The figures can be broken down to regional level which show that 15 per cent. of adults and 5 per cent. of children in London are disabled.
	Information on the numbers of customers in Islington South and Finsbury who are in receipt of disability living allowance (DLA) and attendance allowance (AA) is in the following table.
	
		Islington South and Finsbury
		
			 Percentage 
			  Operational year 
			  2002 2003 2004 2005 
		
		
			 DLA recipients 3.9 4.2 4.3 4.5 
			 AA recipients 1.5 1.6 1.6 1.5 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 100 and are displayed in thousands.
	2. DLA is from a 100 per cent. sample at 31 August each year.
	3. AA is from a 5 per cent. sample at 31 August each year.
	Source:
	DWP Information Directorate.
	Through Jobcentre Plus, we are promoting work as the best form of welfare for people of working age. Since 1997 the number of people claiming as unemployed in Islington South and Finsbury has fallen by 47 per cent. and the number of long-term unemployed by 81 per cent.
	Our new deals have helped lone parents, the young unemployed, the long-term unemployed, disabled people, the over 50s and partners of unemployed people to move from benefit into work. Nationally over 1.5 million people have been helped into work by the new deals, with over 3,000 in Islington South and Finsbury alone.
	Significant progress has been made in tackling child poverty. Since 199899 the number of children in relative low-income households fell by 700,000 from 3.1 million to 2.4 million on a Before Housing Costs (BHC) basis and 700,000 from 4.1 million to 3.4 million on an After Housing Costs (AHC) basis.
	Since 200102 incomes for lone parents in receipt of benefit have risen by more than prices or the cost of living. Child rates in income support and jobseeker's allowance have been increased by 40 per cent. since 200102, increasing above inflation in April 2005 in line with child tax credit upratings. All of this has benefited 4,100 families in Islington South and Finsbury.
	We want all pensioners to have a decent and secure income in retirement and to share fairly in the rising prosperity of the country and our first priority has been to help the least well off pensioners. The Government will be spending over 10 billion extra in 200607 on pensioners as a result of measures introduced since 1997. Almost half of this spending going to the least well off third of pensioners.
	Our reforms include the state second pension, which helps more future pensioners build up better pensions, especially carers. Pension credit, introduced from October 2003, provides a contribution to a guaranteed minimum income for those aged 60 and over and, for the first time, rewards people aged 65 and over who have made modest provision for their retirement. As of August 2005, around 4,500 pensioners in Islington South and Finsbury are receiving pension credit, with an average award of 62.27 per week.
	We know that older people, who are often on fixed incomes, value timely help with fuel costs. This winter (200506) we have again made available a winter fuel payment of 200 for each eligible household with someone aged 60 or over and 300 if the household includes someone aged 80 or over to help with their fuel bills. In 200405, around 11,200 people in Islington South and Finsbury received a winter fuel payment. We expect the numbers to be similar for winter 200506.
	Additionally, for 200506, eligible households with someone aged 65 or over, not receiving the guarantee credit element of pension credit received a one-off payment of 200 to help with their council tax bills. Pensioner households with someone aged 70 and over in receipt of the guarantee credit received a one-off payment of 50 to help with living expenses.
	Since 1997 pensioners have seen a real terms increase in their basic state pension of 7 per cent. As at August 2005, around 9,800 pensioners in Islington South and Finsbury have benefited from this increase.
	Notes
	1. Pension credit and state pension data are as at August 2005.
	2. Figures are rounded to the nearest hundred and are expressed in thousands.
	3. Pension credit replaced MIG on 6 October 2003.
	4. Average amounts are shown to the nearest penny.
	Source
	DWP Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study (WPLS).

Disabled Person Disregard

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the cost of raising the disabled person disregard for housing benefit and council tax benefit to 82.

James Plaskitt: The estimated cost of raising the higher rate of earnings disregard for housing benefit and council tax benefit to 82 is 110 million per annum.
	Notes:
	1. The costs are rounded to the nearest 10 million and are for Great Britain.
	2. The impact is estimated using the Department's Policy Simulation Model for 200506, using data from the 200304 Family Resources Survey up-rated to 200506 prices, benefit rates and earnings levels, and is calibrated to latest published forecasts and policies.
	3. Results are subject to sampling and reporting errors and estimation assumptions, and are therefore indicative only. No behavioural changes are assumed.

Disabled Person Disregard

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the cost of extending the disabled person disregard to all recipients of incapacity benefits.

Anne McGuire: The information necessary to make such an estimate is not available.

Household Income

Greg Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of household income came from (a) tax credits, (b) means-tested benefits, (c) other benefits, (d) earned income excluding tax credits and (e) other sources in each year since 1997, broken down by income quintile or decile.

James Plaskitt: The information requested has been placed in the Library.

Income Growth

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the real increase in the income of each income decile was in each year since 197879; and if he will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge: The information is in the tables.
	Information is shown for incomes measured before housing costs were deducted (BHC) and for incomes after housing costs were deducted (AHC).
	Median incomes of deciles of the 1979 to 199597 Before Housing Costs (BHC) income distributions are in the following table: 1.1
	
		
		
			  Decile 
			  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 
		
		
			 1979 110 137 160 183 205 230 258 294 341 447 
			 1981 108 133 156 177 201 226 255 291 346 455 
			 1987 115 143 168 199 231 262 299 349 423 605 
			 198889 112 145 174 209 245 282 324 377 459 644 
			 199091 108 145 177 214 251 293 338 401 488 706 
			 199192 109 146 177 213 252 294 338 400 490 703 
			 199293 110 148 180 213 251 293 340 401 490 698 
			 199395 116 156 187 220 256 298 345 402 494 709 
		
	
	Note:
	pw equivalised to 200304 prices.
	Source:
	Family Expenditure Survey (UK)
	Median incomes of deciles of the 199495 to 200304 income distributions Before Housing Costs (BHC) are in the following table: 1.2
	
		
		
			  Decile 
			  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 
		
		
			 199495 117 156 186 217 254 295 342 402 489 702 
			 199596 118 158 188 219 254 294 342 400 494 704 
			 199697 121 161 193 227 264 307 354 415 507 723 
			 199798 119 163 196 230 270 311 360 421 515 735 
			 199899 122 166 200 234 273 317 369 434 530 778 
			 19992000 124 172 205 240 282 325 377 444 538 783 
			 200001 126 179 215 251 291 335 388 457 558 812 
			 200102 135 188 226 265 306 351 402 471 583 851 
			 200203 134 192 231 269 311 359 411 477 586 860 
			 200304 134 193 233 271 313 359 412 483 584 856 
		
	
	Note:
	pw equivalised to 200304 prices.
	Source:
	The Family Resources Survey (FRS)
	Median incomes of deciles of the 1979 to 199597 income distributions After Housing Costs (AHC) are in the following table: 1.3
	
		
		
			  Decile 
			  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 
		
		
			 1979 88 113 131 151 171 192 217 246 286 377 
			 1981 85 107 126 147 168 190 215 248 293 390 
			 1987 85 112 134 161 190 219 254 297 357 522 
			 198889 83 114 140 172 205 238 274 321 392 552 
			 199091 76 112 140 175 209 246 287 340 414 609 
			 199192 73 112 139 175 210 247 287 343 417 611 
			 199293 72 113 139 173 211 248 289 343 420 607 
			 199395 77 117 145 178 214 251 294 344 425 622 
		
	
	Note:
	pw equivalised to 200304 prices.
	Source:
	Family Expenditure Survey (UK)
	Median incomes of deciles of the 199495 to 200304 income distributions After Housing Costs (AHC) are in the following table: 1.4
	
		
		
			  Decile 
			  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 
		
		
			 199495 68 114 140 174 208 247 290 344 419 607 
			 199596 75 116 141 173 209 246 288 341 422 613 
			 199697 78 117 144 181 220 259 303 358 439 634 
			 199798 76 119 150 187 224 264 308 364 447 643 
			 199899 82 122 153 190 228 269 318 374 462 686 
			 19992000 82 128 160 197 237 279 326 386 474 701 
			 200001 82 135 170 208 249 290 339 401 494 722 
			 200102 91 145 181 224 263 305 354 415 516 768 
			 200203 90 150 188 229 272 316 366 428 527 778 
			 200304 88 152 193 233 274 320 370 434 533 789 
		
	
	Note:
	pw equivalised to 200304 prices.
	Source:
	The Family Resources Survey (FRS)
	Notes to all tables:
	1. Real income growth is shown by the changes in decile income medians which have been adjusted for inflation.
	2. The Before Housing Costs and After Housing Costs income deciles are consistent with methodology used in DWP's National Statistics(42) series, Households Below Average Income.
	3. Comparisons for the bottom decile should be treated with more caution. Decile medians for the bottom 10 per cent. are more volatile as they are affected to a greater extent by the composition of that decile, particularly by changes in the proportion of people who report very low incomes.
	4. Caution should be exercised when interpreting changes over shorter time periods.
	5. The Family Expenditure Survey (FES) data covers selected years from 1979 until 199597 where information are available. The Family Resources Survey (FRS) data is for all financial years 199495 until 200304.
	6. Comparisons of estimates between the two sources should be treated carefully:
	FES figures are for the United Kingdom, FRS figures are for Great Britain.
	The reference period for FRS figures is single financial years. FES figures are single calendar years from 197987, two combined calendar years from 198889 to 199293 and two financial years combined from 199395 to 199597.
	The FRS was established by the then Department of Social Security in order to meet the Department's analytical requirements.
	A review, available on the internet, into the differences in income values between the two surveys concluded that the differences in monetary value estimates across surveys were too large to justify publishing direct comparisons. Furthermore, large fluctuations in the difference between surveys for overlapping years mean that, in many cases, an adjusted, or a spliced time series may be no more accurate than the unadjusted series.

Jobcentre Plus

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what internet sites operated by Jobcentre Plus are available to jobseekers; and how their existence is publicised.

Margaret Hodge: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. She will write to the hon. Member.
	Letter from Lesley Strathie
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what Internet sites operated by Jobcentre Plus are available to jobseekers and how their existence is publicised. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	The Jobcentre Plus website (www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk) is our Internet service for jobseekers. The site allows users to search our extensive database of some 400,000 vacancies. In addition, the site provides job hunting advice and information on programmes such as New Deal to help people back into work. The site currently receives around 1.5 million visitors each week.
	The website is publicised to customers in a variety of ways. Every piece of correspondence to customers on pre-printed letter headed paper shows the Jobcentre Plus website address and many of our computer generated letterswhich are usually about specific benefit issuesalso give the web address. All of our centrally produced customer information leaflets feature the website address predominantly across the centre of the back cover, and often they also show the website address in the main text. These leaflets are available in all Jobcentre Plus offices and in a variety of our partners' premises, such as Citizens' Advice Bureaux and GPs' surgeries.
	As far as specific promotional campaigns are concerned, in January 2004 Jobcentre Plus ran a series of national television advertisements aimed at people looking for work. These were primarily to promote our telephone job finding service, Jobseeker Direct, but also publicised our website as an alternative method for accessing our job search facilities. During 2004 we also distributed a leaflet to over 6.7 million residential households to promote Jobcentre Plus services, including our website.
	I hope this is helpful.

New Deal

Nick Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of those entering new deal in 2003 were in work at the end of December 2005.

Margaret Hodge: Of those who entered the new deal in 2003, 39 per cent. were recorded as being in employment on the 31 August 2005, the latest date for which information is available. This percentage is a snapshot of those who joined the programme in 2003 who were in employment on that particular day. A total of 70 per cent. of those entering new deal in 2003 are recorded as gaining employment at some point between joining the programme and the end of August 2005.
	Many of those who did not enter employment will have undertaken education and training, or participated in other new deal options like the Environmental Task Force or voluntary sector options, all of which will have improved their job readiness and employability. Only 6 per cent. of those who started the new deal in 2003 were still on the programme at the end of August 2005.
	It is inevitable in a dynamic labour market that some people will move into and out of employment after leaving new deal. However, new deal helps people stay in work longer than those in the general labour market and people on the programme have still added to their skills and experience, making it easier for them to find a job in the future.
	Note:
	Data excludes participants on New Deal for Partners, for which relevant information is not available.
	Source: New Deal database and Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study.

New Deal

Nick Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the latest Government estimate is of the (a) gross and (b) net cost per youth job created by the new deal for young people.

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the total cost has been to his Department of each new deal programme in each year since the schemes began.

Margaret Hodge: The average cost of helping a person into work through all the new deals is 2,102, and the cost of helping a person into work through new deal for young people is 2,770.
	The new deal has been successful in helping more than 1.5 million people into work and independent research has shown that the economy as a whole is richer by 500 million a year as a result of new deal for young people alone. Research has also demonstrated that long-term youth unemployment would have been twice as high without new deal for young people.
	The information on new deal costs is in the table.
	
		New deal programme costs since 1997
		
			  million 
			  New deal for young people New deal 25 plus New deal 50 plus New deal for disabled people New deal for lone parents New deal for partners Total 
		
		
			 199798 12 0 0 0 0 0 12 
			 199899 162 17 0 0 1 0 180 
			 19992000 282 71 1 15 12 0 381 
			 200001 293 42 45 7 14 1 402 
			 200102 219 140 82 4 9 2 456 
			 200203 221 166 82 16 18 0 502 
			 200304 265 189 42 28 20 0 544 
			 200405 264 169 3 65 24 1 526 
			 Total 1,718 794 254 135 98 4 3,003 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Latest confirmed spend figures are to March 2005.
	2. Cost per person into work figures are calculated on confirmed spend data to March 2005 and the number of individuals into work to March 2005.
	3. Number of people into work through all new deals to March 2005:1,429,000; number of people into work through new deal for young people to March 2005: 620,000.
	4. Spend data include all new deal programme costs and allowances paid to participants apart from the 50 plus element of the working tax credit. As this is not included in the figures, new deal 50 plus costs reduce after 200203.
	5. Spend data exclude administrative costs as it is no longer possible to identify the costs of administering each new deal separately from the costs of other labour market activities.
	6. Spend on new deal for partners in 200203 and 200304 was less than 0.5 million and is thus not recorded as figures are rounded to the nearest  million.
	7. Spend data are rounded to the nearest  million; the average cost per person into work is rounded to the nearest pound.
	8. Start dates for each new deal programme are: new deal for young people: January 1998; new deal 25 plus: July 1998; new deal for lone parents: October 1998; new deal 50 plus: April 2000; new deal for disabled people: July 2001; new deal for partners: April 1999.
	9. Totals may not sum due to rounding.
	Sources:
	DWP Financial Strategy Division
	DWP Financial Control Division
	DWP Information Directorate

New Deal

Nick Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of those who joined the new deal in 2005 was not doing so for the first time.

Margaret Hodge: Between January and November 2005, 62 per cent. of participants had not been on the new deal programme before and 38 per cent. had. In a dynamic labour market it is inevitable that some individuals who find work through the new deal will become unemployed again at some point in the future and at some stage qualify for the new deal again. It is also the case that some individuals have complex barriers to work and will find it difficult to maintain employment over a long period. However, those people who have participated in the new deal will have added to their skills and experience, making it easier for them to find a job in the future.
	Note:
	Latest available data.

New Deal

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many benefit claimants have been subject to sanctions for not attending a work-focused interview under the new deal for lone parents (a) once, (b) twice and (c) three times or more in each year since the introduction of the scheme; what the average loss of benefits was in each year; and how many claimants sanctioned subsequently had their benefit reinstated.

Margaret Hodge: New deal for lone parents is a voluntary programme that aims to help and encourage lone parents to improve their job readiness and employment opportunities, and to gain independence through working. Failure to attend a mandatory work focused interview without good cause can result in a reduction of benefit. However, if the person subsequently participates in the interview then the sanction is lifted.
	The available information is in the tables.
	
		Lone parent sanctions for not attending a work focused interview
		
			  Work focused interviews booked Sanction applied once Proportion applied once (percentage) Sanction applied twice 
		
		
			 April 2001 to March 2002 155,500 2,500 1.6 100 
			 April 2002 to March 2003 337,300 5,900 1.8 300 
			 April 2003 to March 2004 601,700 13,400 2.2 1,200 
			 April 2004 to March 2005 763,900 28,500 3.7 2,200 
			 April 2005 to December 2005 631,300 22,800 3.6 200 
			 Total 2,489,600 73,100 2.9 4,000 
		
	
	
		
			  Proportion applied twice (percentage) Sanction applied three times or more Proportion applied three times or more Average weekly loss of benefit 
		
		
			 April 2001 to March 2002 0.06 0 0.003 10.49 
			 April 2002 to March 2003 0.10 100 0.018 10.63 
			 April 2003 to March 2004 0.21 100 0.022 10.58 
			 April 2004 to March 2005 0.28 100 0.015 10.91 
			 April 2005 to December 2005 0.03 0 0.001 11.18 
			 Total 0.16 300 0.012  
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Figures are rounded to the nearest hundred; therefore the totals may not be a sum of the elements. Percentages are actual percentages calculated on the unrounded figures.
	2. Information on the average loss each year of benefit due to a lone parent work focused interview sanction, and how many claimants had their benefit re-instated is not collected.
	Source:
	National Lone Parent Evaluation database (0512)

Parliamentary Questions

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many parliamentary questions tabled in the last 12 months for answer by him on a named day (a) were transferred and (b) received a substantive answer (i) on the day named and (ii) after the day named.

Anne McGuire: For the year 7 February 2005 to 6 February 2006 inclusive, the number of parliamentary questions tabled in the last 12 months for answer by him on a named day (a) which were transferred and (b) which received a substantive answer (i) on the day named and (ii) after the day named were:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 (a) Transferred 27 
			 (b)(i) Answered by named day 311 
			 (b)(ii) Answered after named day 266

Post Office Card Account

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pilot schemes for the migration of Post Office card account holders to banking facilities will be operating in the eastern region over the next 12 months.

James Plaskitt: We have no plans to operate any pilots in the eastern region.

Post Office Card Account

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of each payable benefit was transacted through (a) a Post Office card account and (b) another account at a post office in (i) rural post offices, (ii) urban post offices, (iii) Communities First areas in Wales and (iv) Communities First areas in the South Wales valleys in the latest period for which figures are available.

James Plaskitt: holding answer 2 March 2006
	The information is not available in the format requested.
	Information showing the proportion of DWP benefit and pension payment accounts paid by direct payment into a Post Office card account and a bank/building society account for the local authorities in Wales has been placed in the Library.

Private Pensions

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the (a) number and (b) percentage of people living in London who have a private pension; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Timms: In 200405 the number of people contributing to a private pension in London is estimated to be 1.7 million. This represents 38 per cent. of the working age population in London, compared with 43 per cent. of the UK working age population, contributing to a private pension.
	In addition, 0.7 million people in London are estimated to be in receipt of a private pension. This represents 13 per cent. of the adult population in London.
	Notes:
	1. Figures are estimates relating to those contributing to a private pension and are taken from the Family Resources Survey (FRS). 200405 is the latest year for which data are available. The coverage of the survey is the UK.
	2. Members who are 'contributing' to a private pension scheme include those who are building up rights within a salary related scheme, those who are currently contributing to a scheme or whose employer makes a contribution on their behalf. Private pension refers to either an occupational, personal or stakeholder pension scheme.
	3. Those individuals who contribute to both occupational and personal pension schemes are only counted once in the final figure.
	4. Working age includes those aged 20 to state pension age.
	5. Estimates for those who are in receipt of a private pension are taken from the Individual Income Series, calculated as an average across 200102, 200203 and 200304. Estimates include payments received from occupational and personal pension schemes, widow's employee pensions, trade union and friendly society pensions, annuity pensions, trusts and covenants. 200304 is the latest year for which data are available.
	Source:
	Family Resources Survey 200405.

Replacement Pension Costs

Gisela Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the gross annual cost of restoring pensions in full to all those covered by the Parliamentary Ombudsman's report, 'Trusting in the Pensions Promise';
	(2)  what his Department's estimate is of the annual net cost, after deducting payment of tax and reduced payments of means-tested benefits, for the next 40 years of replacing the lost pensions of surviving members of pension schemes which started winding-up between April 1997 and April 2005;
	(3)  what estimate he has made of the annual cost for the next 40 years of paying financial assistance scheme benefits to all members of final salary pension schemes which started winding-up without sufficient funds to cover all its pension liabilities between April 1997 and April 2005;
	(4)  what the evidential basis was for the figure of 15 billion as the cost to the public purse in the Government's response to the recommendation of the Parliamentary Ombudsman's report, 'Trusting in the Pensions Promise'.

Stephen Timms: We estimate that the gross average annual cost of restoring pensions in full to all those covered by the Parliamentary Ombudsman's report would be 250 million in cash terms over some 60 years. Annual costs would vary over time peaking at 400 million around the year 2030.
	I will provide estimates shortly of the net annual costs, taking account of any estimated reduction as a consequence of taxation and reduced payments of means-tested benefits.
	We estimate that extending the financial assistance scheme to cover all members of final salary pension schemes which started winding-up without sufficient funds to cover all its pension liabilities between April 1997 and April 2005, if the FAS benefit levels were retained, would cost on average 125 million per annum in cash terms over the first 40 years. It is likely that further costs would occur after that period.
	The costs of the Ombudsman's proposals have been estimated using data collected for the financial assistance scheme (FAS). The data was obtained from schemes potentially eligible for FAS, the pensions regulator and the pensions industry. The data has been fed into an actuarial model to generate time profiles of costs. Mortality estimates were taken from the continuous mortality investigation.

Single Room Rent Restriction

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the Single Room Rent restriction on housing benefit was in each locality in each of the Local Housing Allowance Pathfinder areas in each year between 199697 and 200405.

James Plaskitt: The information is not available in the format requested. The precise rate of Single Room Rent applicable in an individual case would be dependent on the location of the property within a locality; as determined by a Rent Officer. The figures in the table are a guideline only.
	The Single Room Rent was replaced by the Shared Room Rate from the introduction of the Local Housing Allowance in November 2003. For information on the Shared Room Rate, I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave him on 21 March 2006, Official Report, column 236W
	
		Weekly single room rents in Pathfinder local authorities, each October 1996 to 2003
		
			  
			 Local authority and Locality 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 
		
		
			 Blackpool Council 
			 Fylde (43) (43) (43) (43) 40 45 45 46 
			  
			 Brighton and Hove Council 
			 Brighton and Hove (43) (43) (43) (43) (43) (43) 55 58 
			  
			 Conwy County Borough Council 
			 Llandudno (43) 36 36 36 38 40 40 40 
			 Colwyn Bay (43) 35 35 35 36 38 38 38 
			 Northern Rural (43) 34 34 34 35 35 35 35 
			 Menai (43) 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 
			  
			 Coventry City Council 
			 Coventry 35 35 35 36 40 43 45 45 
			  
			 Edinburgh City Council 
			 Edinburgh Central 45 45 47 47 49 50 55 56 
			 Edinburgh East 42 42 42 43 44 45 50 51 
			 Edinburgh South West 45 43 46 46 46 47 51 52 
			 Edinburgh North West 43 43 46 46 46 46 50 51 
			  
			 Leeds City Council 
			 Leeds (43) (43) (43) (43) (43) (43) 49 48 
			 London Borough of Lewisham 
			 LSE Central (43) (43) (43) (43) (43) (43) (43) 78 
			 LSE Inner (43) (43) (43) (43) (43) (43) (43) 93 
			  
			 Northeast Lincolnshire Council 
			 N E Lincs (43) (43) (43) (43) 38 38 39 38 
			  
			 Teignbridge District Council 
			 Teignbridge (43) (43) (43) (43) (43) (43) 48 52 
			 Exeter 37 43 43 45 43 44 48 55 
			 Tiverton and Crediton (43) (43) (43) (43) (43) (43) 43 48 
			 Tiverton 37 43 43 43 42 42 (43) (43) 
			 Crediton 37 43 43 43 39 42 (43) (43) 
			 Torbay 38 43 43 45 44 45 48 53 
			 South Devon (43) (43) (43) (43) (43) (43) 48 50 
			 Plymouth Environs (43) (43) (43) (43) (43) (43) 45 49 
		
	
	(43) Data not available or cannot be provided because of changes to localities.
	Notes:
	England
	1. The data provided from October 1996 to October 1998, inclusive, has been compiled from old records inherited by The Rent Service on its establishment on 1 October 1999; The Rent Service cannot verify the veracity of the data.
	2. Following the establishment of The Rent Service, all localities have been fundamentally reviewed and as a result, some localities were changed to better match the operation of the private rented sector market.
	Wales
	3. The data provided from October 1996 to October 2003, inclusive, has been compiled from old records inherited by Rent Officer BranchWelsh Assembly Government on its assimilation into the National Assembly for Wales in June 2003.
	4. Since June 2003 all localities have been fundamentally reviewed and as a result, some were changed to better match the operation of the private rented sector market.
	Source:
	Rent Registration Service, Scotland; Rent Officer Service, Wales; The Rent Service, England.

HEALTH

Abortion

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions she has had with representatives of the medical profession about interpretation by them of section 1 of the Abortion Act 1967 (as amended); and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: No such discussions have recently taken place. We have not been approached by leaders of the medical profession about any issues arising from section 1 of the Act.

Advertising Expenditure

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the Department spent on advertising in each of the last five years.

Liam Byrne: pursuant to the reply, 13 July 2005, Official Report, c.1126W
	I regret that the previous reply was incorrect. It should read as follows:
	The table shows the expenditure on major information campaigns and advertising commissioned by the Department's communications directorate for the past five years 200001 to 200405. The figures include the costs of campaign-related publishing, television, radio, poster, newspaper and magazine advertising.
	
		
			 Financial years Advertising expenditure  ( million) 
		
		
			 200001 20.80 
			 200102 20.41 
			 200203 23.13 
			 200304 38.98 
			 200405 37.80

Advertising Expenditure

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent on advertising by (a) her Department, (b) each (i) non-departmental public body and (ii) executive agency for which her Department is responsible and (c) each independent statutory body, organisation and body financially sponsored by her Department in each year since May 1997.

Liam Byrne: pursuant to the reply, 23 January 2006, Official Report, c. 1848W
	I regret that the previous reply was incorrect. It should read as follows:
	The table shows the expenditure on major information campaigns and advertising commissioned by the Department's communications directorate in each year since 1997.
	
		
			 Financial year Advertising expenditure  ( million) 
		
		
			 199798 2.04 
			 199899 8.53 
			 19992000 15.17 
			 200001 20.80 
			 200102 20.41 
			 200203 23.13 
			 200304 38.98 
			 200405 37.80 
			 200506 estimate 23.00 
		
	
	We have no central record of advertising spend by non-departmental public bodies, executive agencies or independent statutory bodies or organisations financially sponsored by the Department and could not obtain these without incurring disproportionate costs.

Agenda for Change

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many trusts in England have implemented the pay aspects agenda for change; how many plan to do so; and when such trusts will backdate payments to.

Liam Byrne: Just over 97 per cent. of national health service staff in England have been assimilated to agenda for change, excluding foundation trusts. It is anticipated that this figure will rise to 99 per cent. by the end of March. All NHS trusts in England have been working towards full assimilation by the end of March and it is outlined in the final agreement that back pay will be to October 2004, or the start date of employment for staff who were appointed after October 2004.

Agenda for Change

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how the mechanism for paying ambulance trust personnel will change under Agenda for Change.

Liam Byrne: Under agenda for change, ambulance staff will be paid like all other national health service staff with basic pay based on job evaluation using the NHS job evaluation scheme, unsocial hours payments for work outside of normal hours and high cost area payments for those working in the London area. There is a harmonised system for hours, overtime payments and annual leave and the full agenda for change NHS terms and conditions of service will apply. Copies of relevant documents are available in the Library.

Agenda for Change

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many ambulance personnel she expects to receive (a) a lower basic rate of pay and (b) a lower gross rate of pay under Agenda for Change, broken down by (i) pay grade, (ii) job and (iii) trust.

Liam Byrne: This information is not held centrally. Under the agenda for change pay system the majority of frontline ambulance staff are moving from basic pay inclusive of an allowance for shift working, to arrangements in which basic pay and shift payments are separate. Taking these elements into account, it is estimated that almost all front-line ambulance staff will receive substantially higher earnings under agenda for change, in addition to longer holiday and shorter hours.

Alcohol (Labelling)

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations the Government have made (a) at the Council of Ministers, (b) to the European Commission and (c) to the European Parliament on the adoption of clear unit labelling of alcohol drinks; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: As part of discussions on the planned European Commission communication on an alcohol strategy for the European Union, departmental officials have sought clarification from the European Commission of the legal and practical feasibility of compulsory labelling of alcoholic beverage containers, as set out in the Government's alcohol harm reduction strategy for England, in the event that voluntary arrangements, currently under discussion with United Kingdom industry, should prove ineffective. No recent discussions have taken place on this subject in the Council of Ministers or the European Parliament.

Asperger's Syndrome

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to ensure that children diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome receive appropriate support and intervention from child and adolescent mental health services.

Liam Byrne: The diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome in itself does not necessarily mean that a mental health service is required unless there is an associated mental health problem.
	Standard 8 of the national service framework for children, young people and maternity deals with disabled children and young people. It recognised that children and young people with an autistic disorder, such as Asperger's, have particular needs and that they have often found it difficult to access child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) if they were needed. The framework states
	primary care trusts, local authorities and CAMHS ensure that disabled children have equal access to CAMHS.
	In addition, an exemplar has been published for children with an autistic spectrum disorder. It seeks to illustrate a care pathway for children with this disability and includes an assessment for mental health problems.

Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Ambulance Trust

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the financial situation of the merged Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Ambulance Trust; and what her assessment is of the impact of the Trust's financial situation on ambulance services in Gloucestershire.

Caroline Flint: Following ministerial approval, a new ambulance trust, Great Western Ambulance Service will be established from 1 April 2006.
	The new trust will be established from a merger of the three existing trustsAvon Ambulance National Health Service Trust, Gloucestershire Ambulance National Health Service Trust and Wiltshire Ambulance National Health Service Trust.
	The table shows the financial position of the three trusts.
	
		Financial position 200405 and 200506
		
			 000 
			  200405 final accounts surplus/(deficit) 200506 month 6 forecast outturn surplus/(deficit) 
		
		
			 Avon Ambulance Service NHS Trust 5 0 
			 Gloucestershire Ambulance Services NHS Trust 107 0 
			 Wiltshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust 9 0 
		
	
	Source:
	200506 monthly financial monitoring returns and 200405 audited summarisation schedule.

Cancer

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to extend the age range of bowel cancer screening following the implementation of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 27 March 2006
	The risk of bowel cancer increases with age, with over 80 per cent. of bowel cancers arising in people who are 60 or over. Men and women aged over 70 will be able to self-refer for screening every two years.
	When we have rolled out the programme to the whole country, we will make an assessment on whether to expand it to other age groups.

Cancer

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research she has (a) commissioned and (b) planned into possible enhanced risks of cancer through genetic variations interacting with environmental contaminants; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: The committee on carcinogenicity of chemicals in food, consumer products and the environment carried out a review of the role of genotype in chemical induced cancers in 2002. It concluded that so far the available data had failed to show any consistent or strong association between the genotype of an individual and chemical induced cancer. However, the committee could not discount the possibility that important interactions might be discovered in the future. Both technical and lay statements are available on the Department's website at www.advisorybodies.doh.gov.uk/coc/geneenv.htm.

Cancer

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the possible link between cancer and organochlorines in infants and young adults; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: The Department has not carried out a general review of the possible link between cancer and organochlorines in infants and young adults. The committee on carcinogenicity of chemicals in food, consumer products and the environment reviewed thecarcinogenicity of dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in 2001. It concluded that 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin should be regarded as a probable human carcinogen but commented that any increased risk of cancer at background levels of exposure is likely to be extremely small and not detectable by current epidemiological methods. The committee also recently reviewed the overall evidence for chemical causes of childhood cancer, particularly for those cancers that are increasing in incidence. It concluded that there is little evidence for chemical causation of these cancers. The committee's reviews is available on its website at www.advisorybodies.doh.gov.uk/coc/index.htm or in its annual reports.

Chlamydia

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of primary care trusts is participating in the chlamydia screening programme.

Caroline Flint: We have rolled out the programme successfully to 25 per cent. of primary care trusts (PCTs). We expect the remaining PCTs to start to come on board as of April 2006. The Health Protection Agency is now leading the roll out of the programme.
	The White Paper, Choosing Health: Making Healthier choices easier, a copy of which is available at the Library, announced an accelerated timetable to achieve national roll out of the national chlamydia screening programme by 2007. We are well on track to meet this target.

Choose and Book System

Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons psychiatric patients are excluded from patient choice under the choose and book system.

Liam Byrne: Mental health services are not currently included in patient choice at referral under the choose and book service. The national choice consultation in autumn 2003 highlighted the choices which mental health service users feel would most enhance their user experience, these focused on choice of treatment rather than choice of service provider. These findings informed the detailed work carried out to formulate the Government's choice at referral policy and led to the decision to exclude mental health services from choice at referral In the light of the national choice consultation's findings, the Department commissioned the choice in mental health programme, which is being run by the National Institute of Mental Health in England. This programme aims to extend the scope, range and equity of treatment choices available across service user pathways.

Chronic Hepatitis B

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what guidance she has issued on the treatment of chronic hepatitis B;
	(2)  what assessment she has made of the economic costs of chronic hepatitis B.

Caroline Flint: In February 2006, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published guidance on adefovir dipivoxil and peginterferon alpha-2a for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B.
	We have not made an assessment of the economic costs of chronic hepatitis B. NICE has estimated the national cost of implementing the above-mentioned guidance.
	This NICE guidance and supplementary information is available on NICE's website at www.nice.org.uk/page.aspx?o=293071.

Clinical Negligence

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of the legally aided clinical negligence cases that were closed in the last 12 months with payment of compensation were settled for reasons of the health service defendant seeking to avoid or limit irrecoverable legal costs.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 20 March 2006
	The information requested is not collected centrally.

Clinical Trials

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if she will make a statement on the operation of the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004;
	(2)  if she will make a statement on the operation of the EU directive on clinical trials.

Jane Kennedy: The Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004 came into force in the United Kingdom on 1 May 2004. They regulate the conduct of clinical trials in the UK and implement the provisions of the EU directive on clinical trials (directive 2001/20/EC). Clinical trials are a fundamental part of the development process for new drugs or for establishing new uses for existing drugs. The overall aim of the clinical trials regulatory system is to ensure that the rights, safety and well-being of those participating in clinical trials are protected. Those conducting clinical trials are responsible for designing, conducting, recording and reporting clinical trials according to internationally recognised principles of good clinical practice. The information collected from the clinical trials on the safety and efficacy of the drug supports the application for a marketing authorisation for the drug. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is responsible for authorising all clinical trials that take place in the UK.

Communications Research

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what her Department's total expenditure on communications research has been in each month since July 2004; how much of this cost was accounted for by producing (a) reports on the public perceptions of the NHS, (b) reports from plain English workshops, (c) stakeholder surveys, (d) national media evaluations, (e) regional media evaluations and (f) other communications research; and what assessment she has made of the research.

Liam Byrne: The Department's communications directorate's total market research spend since July 2004 has been:
	
		
			 Research project Total spend since July 2004 () Monthly spend (c) () 
		
		
			 Public perceptions survey of the NHS 200,000 10,000 
			 Plain English workshops 82,500 4,125 
			 Stakeholder surveys 120,000 6,000 
			 National media evaluation 100,000 5,000 
			 Regional media evaluation 60,000 3,000 
			 Other communications research: Campaigns(44) 3.2 million 160,000 
		
	
	Note:
	Campaign expenditure is not calculated on a monthly basis but rather on a project basis.
	This research provides a useful check on public sentiment and patient experience and complements the much larger Healthcare Commission patient surveys. The communications directorate uses its analysis to:
	Ensure that the communications strategy is built from a solid evidence base;
	Inform and evaluate communications activity to ensure that resources are prioritised effectively
	Ensure that important health information is easily understood by the public and
	Highlight any inaccuracies in media reporting on health that could be harmful to public health.
	Analysis is shared with:
	Local national health service communications teams, who use it to benchmark the effectiveness of their own activities and
	NHS senior managers and stakeholders to inform policy developments and business planning.

Community Hospitals

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what her Department's definition is of a community hospital in a rural area.

Liam Byrne: Community hospitals encompass a wide range of institutions, which provide a diverse number of health and social care services, which means they are difficult to define. However, the White Paper, Our Health, Our Care, Our Say: a new Direction for Community Services defines a community hospital as:
	A service which offers integrated health and social care and is supported by community- based professionals.
	Local hospitals serving relatively small populations (less than 100,000), providing a range of clinical services but not equipped to handle emergency admissions on a 24/7 basis.
	No distinction is made over whether a community hospital is situated within a rural or urban location.

Continuing Care (Restitution Process)

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she took to ascertain that all strategic health authorities undertook advertising and publicity in order to raise awareness of the restitution process, as stated on page 17 of the Government's response to the Health Select Committee's Report on Continuing Care.

Liam Byrne: Strategic health authorities undertook a programme of publicity which they considered reasonable to inform the public on a local basis. The decision as to the precise nature of the publicity policy rested with the individual strategic health authority, so that it might be tailored to existing regional awareness.

Dentistry

Geoffrey Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the ratio of applicants to places on dentistry degree courses was in 200405; and if she will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: I have been asked to reply.
	We are funding the biggest expansion of dental education since the inception of the NHS. As I informed the House on 26 January 2006, we are increasing training places for dentists by over 25 per cent. from 200405 to provide around 840 places in England from 200506. Figures from UCAS, showing the ratio between applicants and acceptances for those students starting dentistry courses in the UK in autumn 2004, are shown in the table.
	
		Applicants and acceptances(44) via UCAS to full-time undergraduate courses in pre-clinical dentistryAutumn 2004 entry
		
			  Applicants and acceptances 
		
		
			 Applicants 2,118 
			 Acceptances 989 
			 Ratio of applicants to acceptances 2.1 
		
	
	(44) Covers all applicants and acceptances from UK and overseas students. The applicant figures are for students whose preferred subject was dentistry (i.e. dentistry was the subject for which they made the most applications).
	Source:
	Universities and College Admissions Service (UCAS)
	Early figures for 2006 entry show that a total of 2,911 students had applied for dentistry courses by the advisory deadline of mid-October, compared to 2,938 at the same point in the previous year. Not all of these students will have applied for dentistry as their preferred subject, so these numbers are not directly comparable with those in the table.

Dentistry

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) adults and (b) children on average were registered with an NHS dentist in West Chelmsford constituency in (i) 2000 and (ii) the latest year for which figures are available.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		General dental services and personal dental services: number of adults and children registered with a national health service dentist in West Chelmsford constituency as at 30 September in each specified year
		
			  Adults Children Total 
		
		
			 2000 50,813 17,460 68,273 
			 2005 51,044 16,904 67,948 
		
	
	Source:
	Dental Practice Board

Dentistry

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dentists in West Chelmsford constituency on average were registered to carry out NHS work in (a) 2000 and (b) the latest year for which figures are available.

Rosie Winterton: As of 30 September 2005, there were 59 national health service dentists with a general dental services (GDS) or personal dental services (PDS) contract within West Chelmsford parliamentary constituency. The corresponding figure for 30 September 2000 was 44.
	A dentist with a GDS or PDS contract may provide as little or as much NHS treatment as he or she chooses or has agreed with their primary care trust. Information concerning the amount of time dedicated to NHS work by individual GDS or PDS dentists is not centrally available.
	Notes:
	Data includes all notifications of dentists joining or leaving the GDS or PDS, received by the Dental Practice Board, up to 19 October 2005. Figures for the numbers of dentists at specified dates may vary depending upon the notification period, for example, data with a later notification period will include more recent notifications of dentists joining or leaving the GDS or PDS.
	Dentists consist of principals, assistants and trainees. Prison contracts have been excluded.
	The postcode of the dental practice was used to allocate dentists to specific geographic areas. Constituency areas have been defined using the Office for National Statistics all fields postcode directory.
	Data on the number of dentists working only in private practice is not held centrally.

Dentistry

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent on NHS general dental services in the Mid Essex Hospital Trust area in (a) cash and (b) real terms in (i) 2000 and (ii) the latest year for which figures are available.

Rosie Winterton: This information is not held centrally.

Dentistry

Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the estimated average annual cost to the NHS is expected to be of a dentist operating under the new contract; whether an equivalent sum will be available to primary care trusts in respect of each NHS dentist who declines to register for NHS care under the new contract; and whether such funds will be restricted to the provision of alternative dental services.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 27 March 2006
	The national health service payments, including revenue from patient charges, made to dentists providing general dental services (GDS) from 1 April 2006 will be based largely on the dentist's gross NHS earnings during the reference period October 2004 to September 2005, uplifted to 200607 prices. The estimated average gross NHS earnings in 200506 for GDS dentists with a reasonable NHS commitment are 159,600.
	Where a dentist chooses not to take up a new GDS contract, the primary care trust (PCT) will use the funding associated with that contract to re-commission dental services from other providers. The funding released in this way will not necessarily be equivalent to the average gross earnings for NHS dentists, but rather will reflect the previous gross earnings of the dentist in question.
	PCTs have been given dedicated, devolved budgets for commissioning dental services, so that, where a dentist ceases to provide NHS services in their area (or provides a reduced level of service), the resources stay with the PCT to be re-invested in other dental services.

Digital Hearing Aids

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what the average waiting time is for people to receive a digital hearing aid from the national health service in (a) England and (b) Beverley and Holderness; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  what plans she has to reduce waiting times for receiving a digital hearing aid; and if she will make a statement;
	(3)  how many people are waiting to receive a digital hearing aid in (a) England and (b) Beverley and Holderness; and if she will make a statement;
	(4)  what assessment she has made of the availability of digital hearing aids in (a) England and (b) Beverley and Holderness; and if she will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: Information on waiting lists and times for digital hearing aids are not centrally collected.
	The Department will publish principles and definitions for the 18-week maximum wait in the spring. Since January 2006, the Department has been collecting waiting times for pure tone audiometry, although, as with many new data collections, it may take a number of months of collection before the data is of sufficient quality to be publishable.
	Several initiatives have been introduced through the modernising hearing aid services programme to increase capacity to deliver audiology services in England. These are the national framework contract (public private partnership) to bring in additional independent sector capacity, the development of a new degree to help to address the shortage of audiologists and the introduction of Hearing Direct which provides follow-up care and advice for some hearing aid users.
	From April 2005, the 164 National Hearing Service audiology departments have been able to routinely assess for and fit digital hearing aids. It is for primary care trusts to ensure their local population benefits from the modernised services.

Drug and Alcohol Misuse

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many civil servants at what grades are employed in her Department (a) to deal with treatment for people who are misusing drugs and (b) on the alcohol strategy.

Caroline Flint: The information requested is shown in the tables in whole-time equivalents (WTE) for the senior civil service and the Department's integrated pay scales.
	
		Drug treatment (includes less than one WTE working on drug prevention)
		
			  Wte 
		
		
			 Senior civil service 0.6 
			 IP4 Upper 0.9 
			 IP4 Standard 1.0 
			 IP3 Standard 1.0 
			 IP2 1.00 
			 Total 4.5 
		
	
	
		Alcohol strategy
		
			  Wte 
		
		
			 Senior Civil Service 0.4 
			 IP4 Upper 0.5 
			 IP4 Standard 1.0 
			 IP3 Standard 1.0 
			 IP2 0 
			 Total 2.9 
		
	
	Notes:
	IPintegrated pay band where IP1 is the minimum pay range.

Education/Training Budgets

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much she has budgeted for (a) non-medical education and training and (b) multi-professional education and training in each year since 1999.

Liam Byrne: The amount budgeted for non-medical education and training and multi-professional education and training in each year since 1999 is shown in the table.
	
		 million
		
			  Non-medical education and training Multi-professional education and training 
		
		
			 19992000 905 2,056 
			 200001 1,052 2,385 
			 200102 1,141 2,545 
			 200203 1,336 3,076 
			 200304 1,551 3,436 
			 200405 1,743 3,813 
			 200506 1,721 3,929

Endometriosis

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps her Department is taking to improve awareness of endometriosis.

Liam Byrne: The Department provided 39,000 to the National Endometriosis Society to produce two information leaflets: one for women and one for general practitioners (GPs) aimed at raising awareness of the symptoms of endometriosis. We are aware that the leaflets were well received and pick up rates were higher than average. Section 64 funding of 7,374 was also allocated for the organisation's GP surgery awareness project.
	The Department continues to work closely with and has provided Section 64 funding to the National Endometriosis Society and Endometriosis SHE Trust (UK). Funding has helped with the cost of both organisations core activities as well as specific projects.

Environmental Health Inspections

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many food providers failed environmental health inspections in the last 12 months in each London borough; and if she will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: I am advised by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) that the information requested is not available centrally. A summary of enforcement action taken for each London borough during the financial year 200405 is shown in the table.
	
		Official control of foodstuffs statistics for London boroughs 200405infringements
		
			London borough Number of formal enforcement actions reported by London boroughs to the FSA for the period 1 April 2004 to 31 March 2005(45) 
		
		
			 Barking and Dagenham 197 
			 Barnet 469 
			 Bexley 593 
			 Brent 727 
			 Bromley 438 
			 Camden 734 
			 Croydon 727 
			 City of London 16 
			 Ealing 49 
			 Enfield 1,039 
			 Greenwich 380 
			 Hackney 162 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 1,087 
			 Haringey 506 
			 Harrow 457 
			 Havering 497 
			 Hillingdon 736 
			 Hounslow 261 
			 Islington 875 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 1,677 
			 Kingston-upon-Thames 428 
			 Lambeth 0 
			 Lewisham 686 
			 Merton 419 
			 Newham 431 
			 Redbridge 308 
			 Richmond-upon-Thames 573 
			 Southwark 1,239 
			 Sutton 492 
			 Tower Hamlets 1,151 
			 Waltham Forest 458 
			 Wandsworth 215 
			 Westminster 1,975 
		
	
	(45) Source: Food Standards AgencyOCD Database.
	Notes:
	1. Formal enforcement action includes written warnings, improvement notices, voluntary closures, and food seizures, surrenders or detentions, formal cautions, prosecutions, prohibition orders and emergency prohibition orders.
	2. The data exclude cases where, based on their professional judgment, the enforcement officers gave informal advice on minor issues.

Frimley Park Hospital

James Arbuthnot: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what income was received by Frimley Park hospital in each quarter of the most recent three years for which figures are available; and what estimate has been made of the likely income in each quarter of the next two years.

Caroline Flint: Frimley Park hospital trust was authorised by Monitor (the statutory name of which is the independent regulator of national health service foundation trusts) as an NHS foundation trust on 1 April 2005. The total income of the trust in the preceding three years is shown in the following table.
	
		Frimley Park hospital NHS trusttotal income
		
			 000 
			  Amount 
		
		
			 200203 110,138 
			 200304 121,546 
			 200405 130,812 
		
	
	Source:
	Audited summarisation schedules of the Frimley Park hospital NHS trust.
	Information on financial projections is a matter for the chair of Frimley Park hospital NHS foundation trust. I have written to Jane Cooke informing her of your inquiry, and a copy of her reply letter will be placed in the Library.

General Medical Services Contract

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the rationale for the recent inclusion of new clinical indicators in the revised Quality and Outcomes Framework on the General Medical Services contract will be published.

Liam Byrne: The review of the quality and outcomes framework as part of the general medical services negotiations was supported by an expert panel, engaged by NHS Employers, and lead by the University of Birmingham. The role of the expert panel was to synthesise the evidence submitted and to provide advice to the negotiators with regard to both the potential for health gain and the practicalities of implementing the indicators suggested. Submissions were made to the panel from a wide range of groups.
	The expert panel reports which were submitted to the negotiating parties will be published in the spring of 2006 by NHS Employers.

General Medical Services Contract

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the second phase of the review of the General Medical Services contract will take place.

Liam Byrne: NHS Employers will be discussing changes to the general medical services contract for 200708 onwards with the British Medical Association in the near future.

Genetics

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the total planned investment on genetics of 50 million referred to on page 5 of her Department's White Paper Our Inheritance: Our Future, published June 2003, Cm 5791-II has been achieved; and if she will break down spending by main expenditure area.

Jane Kennedy: The funding of 50 million announced in the genetics White Paper, Our Inheritance, Our Future built on an earlier commitment made in April 2001 by the then Secretary of State for Health to invest 30 million in national health service genetic services. By the end of financial year 200506, we will have invested 52.4 million equipping the NHS to make appropriate use of genetic knowledge and technology as it becomes available. The breakdown of this investment in genetics under the White Paper and earlier commitments is shown in the table.
	
		
			 Investment in genetics  million 
		
		
			 Strengthening specialised genetic services via investment in upgrading NHS genetic laboratories and recruiting more consultants, genetic counsellors and laboratory staff. 40.9 
			 Building genetics into mainstream services by piloting new ways of integrating genetics into other specialties (such as cancer) and primary care. 3.6 
			 Spreading genetics knowledge across the NHS via a new NHS national genetics education and development centre, a genetics specialist library of the national electronic library for health, and other educational and information initiatives for health care professionals and the public. 2.1 
			 Generating new knowledge by funding research into pharmacogenetics, gene therapy and health services research in genetics. 5.8 
		
	
	The White Paper included a commitment to review progress after three years to see what more needs to be done.

Health Professionals (Treatment Options)

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps her Department is taking to ensure that health professionals understand the (a) symptoms, (b) effects and (c) treatment options.

Liam Byrne: The Department has previously provided funding to ensure that women and general practitioners are more aware of the signs and symptoms of the condition and seek help at an early stage. We remain committed to working with the National Endometriosis Society and other relevant organisations to understand better the causes and to find ways to continue to raise awareness.
	Endometriosis is a named condition in the core training of all gynaecologists, requiring knowledge of the condition and competence in diagnosis, investigation and management to complete the core logbook for training in obstetrics and gynaecology. The Department is aware that last year the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists issued a revised guideline on the investigation and management of endometriosis. The aim is to provide clinicians with up to date information about the diagnosis and treatment of the condition, based upon the best available evidence.

Hillingdon Primacy Care Trust

Nick Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many nurses employed in the Hillingdon primary care trust area are on (a) permanent and (b) temporary contracts.

Jane Kennedy: This information is not held in the format requested. However, the table shows the number of qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff employed in the Hillingdon primary care trust who are full-time, part-time and bank staff.
	Bank staff are a combination of substantive national health service employees who work additional hours and staff specifically employed on bank contracts who cover shifts on an ad-hoc and temporary basis.
	
		NHS hospital and community health services: qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff employed in the Hillingdon primary care trust as at 30 September 2004
		
			 Headcount 
			  Full-time Part-time Bank staff Total 
		
		
			 All staff 357 128 90 575 
			 Qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff 258 128 90 476 
			 Practice nurses 99 0 0 99 
		
	
	Source:
	Health and Social Care Information Centre Non-Medical Workforce Census 2004

Independent Sector Treatment Centre

John Denham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make it her policy to provide financial assistance to hospitals which lose income as a result of the establishment of an Independent Sector Treatment Centre in their area.

Liam Byrne: At the end of 200506, the wave one independent sector treatment centre (ISTC) programme will deliver approximately 60,000 elective procedures against a projected total of six million national health service procedures. This equates to less than one per cent. of elective procedures carried out in the NHS.
	However, these centres have introduced new working methods, reduced NHS waiting lists and provided more patient choice. It would be inappropriate to provide financial assistance to hospitals which lose income because patients chose to use an ISTC for their treatment.

Local Improvement Finance Trusts

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what target is in place for development of local improvement finance trust schemes.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 27 March 2006
	NHS LIFT was announced in the NHS Plan which also identified LIFT, along side other existing primary care procurement routes, as a mechanism to support the delivery of the following:
	Up to 1 billion investment in primary care facilities;
	Up to 3,000 family doctors' premises substantially refurbished or replaced by 2004; and
	500 one stop primary care centres delivered by 2004, which has further been extended by delivering the NHS Plan to 750 by 2008.
	There are no further national targets on LIFT because, in line with Shifting the Balance of Power, NHS LIFT is a mechanism to be used by primary care trusts locally to support the delivery of their service modernisation programme as detailed in their individual strategic service development plan.

Local Improvement Finance Trusts

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the percentage split between the public and private sector is for each local improvement finance trust.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 27 March 2006
	Stakeholder investment in each of the 42 established local improvement finance trusts (LIFT) is 60 per cent. private sector, 20 per cent. Partnerships for Health and 20 per cent. local health economy. The local health economy investment is usually made by primary care trusts, but it could also include the local authority.
	Partnerships for Health is the national joint venture established by the Department and Partnerships UK to support delivery of the LIFT programme.

Malignant Diseases

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the possible risk of hormone-dependent malignancies from (a) synthetic pesticides and (b) organochlorines; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: Individual pesticides are approved for use following a full safety assessment and receipt of independent advice from the advisory Committee on pesticides. Organochlorine pesticides are no longer approved for use in the United Kingdom.
	The Committee on carcinogenicity of chemicals in food, consumer products and the environment carried out a review in 1999 of breast cancer risk and exposure to the organochlorine insecticides dieldrin, dichlora-diphenyl trichloroethane (DDT) and certain hexachlorocyclohexane isomers. This was updated in 2004. Statements on both reviews are available on the Department's website at: www.advisorybodies.doh.gov.uk/coc/statements.htm.
	In 2004, the Committee considered the possible chemical causation of prostate cancer. It concluded that there was some limited evidence to suggest an association between farmers/farm workers, exposure to pesticides and increased risk of prostate cancer. The possibility of such an association being causal could not be discounted and the published literature should continue to be monitored for further studies. The Committee commented on the need for improved measures of exposure to pesticides, and in particular herbicides. It was considered that the potential association between herbicide use by farmers and farm workers should be kept under review. The full statement is also available on the Department's website at www.advisorybodies.doh.gov.uk/coc/prostate.htm.
	The Committee is currently conducting a review of testicular cancer and conclusions will be published in due course.

Medicines Act

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the operation of the Medicines Act 1968.

Jane Kennedy: The Medicines Act 1968 came into operation in 1971. Since then some provisions have been amended or disapplied by regulations implementing European legislation. The Act, and secondary legislation made under it, currently govern the manufacturing and wholesale distribution of medicines, licensing for medicines falling outside the European regulatory regime, the retail sale and supply of medicines, medicines advertising, control of pharmacies, preparation of the British Pharmacopoeia and enforcement of medicines legislation. The Act also establishes the system of medicines advisory bodies. Since 30 October 2005, the Act applies only to medicines for human use. The provisions of the Act are implemented and enforced by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, which is an Executive agency of the Department. The legislation is kept under constant review.

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency / Pharmaceutical Industry

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  whether discussions have been held between the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and (a) the General Medical Council and (b) other professional associations for pharmaceutical physicians to remind and advise pharmaceutical physicians and their managers of their obligations, with particular reference to the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998;
	(2)  whether she has satisfied herself that the level of protection under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 offers sufficient protection to employees within the pharmaceutical sector; and whether she plans to review the working of the Act within the sector;
	(3)  which Government Departments are responsible for investigating complaints of misconduct in the pharmaceutical industry; and what plans there are for making public the results of investigations, particularly when complaints are upheld;
	(4)  how many pharmaceutical employees have contacted (a) the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and (b) a Government Department to report concerns about misconduct within the pharmaceutical sector since the implementation of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998; what proportion of such contacts led to an investigation; and in how many the complaints were justified and upheld;
	(5)  if she will draw to the attention of pharmaceutical employers the implications and obligations arising from the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

Jane Kennedy: The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 provides comprehensive protection for workers who responsibly blow the whistle on wrongdoing in the workplace and are victimised by their employer for doing so. The Act provides adequate protection to all workers, regardless of sector and places no obligations directly on employers. There are no imminent plans to review its working within any sector.
	The Department does not collect or hold any information internally as regards to how many pharmaceutical employees have contacted them or other Government departments to report concerns about misconduct within the pharmaceutical sector.
	The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) does not hold a central record of approaches made since the implementation of the Act as there is no legal requirement to do so. However, the MHRA has received disclosures, some justified as well as some bogus allegations. Some have led to administrative/criminal investigations. Others have led to no further action being taken. The MHRA has no obligation to remind or advise professional associations or other employers in the sector of their obligations under the Act and therefore has had no discussions with General Medical Council or any other professional associations about their obligations under the Act.

Mental Health

John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what targets she has set for the mental health of (a) young people, (b) people of working age and (c) people older than working age; and if she will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: Improving child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) is one of the priorities for this Government, as emphasised by the public service agreement standard of a comprehensive CAMHS in every area of England. This commitment to improve CAMHS has been backed by significant additional funding, over 300 million in the last three years.
	The CAMHS module of the children's national service framework for England (September 2004) sets the framework for CAMHS for the next 10 years. It sets the standard that all children and young people, from birth to their eighteenth birthday, who have mental health problems and disorders, will have access to timely, integrated, high quality multidisciplinary mental health services to ensure effective assessment, treatment and support, for them, their parents or carers, and other family members.
	Alongside the core and developmental standards set out in 'National Standards, Local Action: Health and Social Care Standards and Planning Framework 200506200708', local national health service bodies are working towards the following for those of working age:
	Substantially reduce mortality rates from suicide and undetermined injury by at least 20 per cent. by 2010.
	Improve life outcomes of adults (and children) with mental health problems by ensuring that all patients who need them have access to crisis services by 2005.
	Offer 24 hour crisis resolution to all eligible patients by 2005.
	Expand the mental health workforce by 300 extra prison in-reach staff, 500 community development workers for black and minority ethnic communities; 200 staff and six outreach teams for personality disorder and training of 3000 support time and recovery workers by 2006.
	Reduce the duration of untreated psychosis to a service median of less than three months, (individual maximum less than six months) and provide support for the first three years for all young people who develop a first episode of psychosis by 2004.

Methadone

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice her Department offers to patients who are prescribed methadone on where the medicine should be administered.

Caroline Flint: Patients are told that methadone and other prescribed drugs must be kept out of reach of children, and it is required that all medicines be provided in child resistant containers.
	The Department published Drug Misuse and DependenceGuidelines on Clinical Management (1999), which gives advice and assists general practitioners (GPs) and specialist drug treatment workers in giving appropriate substitute prescribing advice to patients.
	The guidelines 1 advise that methadone dose consumption should usually be supervised by either the patient's GP, a nurse or community pharmacist for the first three months of prescribing. In the rare event that such initial doses are to be taken unsupervised, the dose should be set to minimise the risk of unsolicited use and methadone diversion.
	Pharmacists are provided with training packs provided by the centre for pharmacy post-graduate education, Opiate treatment: supporting pharmacists for improved patient care which pharmacists are recommended to complete if taking part in the enhanced service to provide supervised consumption. This specifically covers the risks to children and opiate naive individuals of overdose.
	Best practice guidance 2 to pharmaceutical services for drug users was published in February 2006 to help ensure the provision of verbal and written information on the safe storage of controlled drugs. Additionally, guidance for administration of medicine within pharmacies, which includes methadone, The NHS community pharmacy contractual framework enhance servicesupervised administration (consumption of prescribed medicines), was published in September 2005.
	1 Drug Misuse and DependenceGuidelines on Clinical Management, 1999.
	2 Best practice guidance for commissioners and providers of pharmaceutical services for drug users, February 2006 (Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, national treatment agency for substance misuse, pharmaceutical services negotiating committee, PharMag, NHS).

NHS Audits

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate she has made of expenditure by NHS organisations on audits of local consultations in the most recent year for which figures are available; what assessment she has made of the merits of such audits; and how much has been spent by NHS organisations on contracts awarded to the communications consultancy Clear in the most recent period for which figures are available.

Liam Byrne: Figures are not available centrally of any costs of audit relating to local consultations and a national assessment has not been made by the Department. National health service spend on communications consultancies are not collected centrally.

NHS Finance

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answers of 8 February 2006, Official Report, column 1322W, on NHS tariff uplift and 27 February 2006, Official Report, column 450W, on the health budget, why the extra costs of delivering the 18 week waiting time target in 200607 has not been reflected in the uplift to the NHS tariff in 200607.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 20 March 2006
	The extra costs of delivering 18 weeks are reflected in increased activity rather than increased unit costs. The uplift in the national health service tariff reflects pay, price and reform pressures on unit costs.

NHS Finance

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how the figure of 41 million which was referred to by the Minister of State, Lord Warner in the debate on the NHS Redress Bill, [Official Report, House of Lords, 15 February 2006, c. 1183] was arrived at.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 20 March 2006
	The calculation is based on the information, supplied by stakeholders, that the cost of independently investigating a complaint of a complex nature such as a clinical negligence case is on average approximately 2,500. At present, the number of claims settled for under 20,000 represents approximately 75 per cent. of settled claims. We expect a similar proportion to be covered by the new scheme. Exact numbers are hard to predict. However, as the scheme aims to make seeking redress more straightforward we expect more people to come forward. Modelling work within the Department, based on patient survey data, suggests that improved access to justice under the scheme may cause claims to rise by anything from 2,200 to 19,500 a year. In total, therefore, we expect the number of cases falling within the scheme to range between 5,800 and 16,600 in year one. If each case was subject to independent investigation, this would result in a total cost of between 14.5 to 41 million in year one.

NHS Litigation Authority

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to improve the information available to the public (a) on medical negligence matters via the NHS litigation authority website and (b) on the credentials of members of relevant advisory panels.

Jane Kennedy: All matters relating to the content of the NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA) website and the credentials of members of relevant advisory panels are the responsibility of the NHSLA board.

NHS Litigation Authority

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many claims were made against the NHS Litigation Authority on behalf of severely disabled children in each year from 2001 to 2005.

Jane Kennedy: The NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA) administers claims made against national health service trusts and is not the legal defendant for clinical negligence claims. The table shows numbers of claims by notification year received by the NHSLA.
	
		Number of claims made against NHS trusts and referred to the NHSLA of severely disabled children, 200105
		
			 Notification year to NHSLA Total 
		
		
			 200102 486 
			 200203 353 
			 200304 272 
			 200405 243 
			 200506 219

NHS Professionals

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost of NHS Professionals has been since its inception.

Liam Byrne: The Government have invested about 50 million in NHS Professionals since its establishment as a special health authority on 1 January 2004.
	NHS Professionals is making a significant contribution to reducing the cost of temporary staff that any large-scale health care system inevitably needs.

Operations (Waiting Times)

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the Prime Minister's Oral Statement of 8 March 2006, Official Report, column 813, what the evidential basis is for the Prime Minister's statement that no one waits more than six months for an operation.

Jane Kennedy: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 27 March.

Quality and Outcomes Framework

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 12 December 2005, Official Report, column 1819W, on the Quality and Outcomes Framework, when she expects the University of Manchester national primary care research and development centre's evaluation of the impact of the Quality and Outcomes Framework on quality of patient care to be published.

Liam Byrne: The national primary care research and development centre research project to assess the impact of the Quality and Outcomes Framework on quality of patient care involves a series of rounds of data collection. Analysis has now begun on the 2005 data. Following a process of quality assurance, the results are expected to be published in late summer.

Sexual and Reproductive Health

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what definition her Department uses of (a) sexual and (b) reproductive health; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: The Department aims to work to a comprehensive and holistic model of sexual and reproductive health as described in the 'National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV' (2001) as follows:
	Sexual health is an important part of physical and mental health. It is a key part of our identity as human beings together with the fundamental human rights to privacy, a family life and living free from discrimination. Essential elements of good sexual health are equitable relationships and sexual fulfilment with access to information and services to avoid the risk of unintended pregnancy, illness or disease.
	This holistic definition of sexual health is endorsed by the Independent Advisory Group on Sexual Health and HIV 1 .
	For the purposes of implementing national sexual health policy we consider that it includes programmes of work covering genito-urinary medicine (GUM) services, sexual health promotion and prevention of sexual ill health, including HIV prevention, sexual health diagnoses and treatment in non-GUM settings, contraception services and termination of pregnancy.
	1 Independent Advisory Group on Sexual Health and HIV, 'Response to the Health Select Committee Report on Sexual Health', January 2004.

Sexual and Reproductive Health

Si�n Simon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the priority her Department gives to improving access to sexual health services.

Caroline Flint: Sexual health was identified as a key priority in the public health White Paper, Choosing Health, backed by major new investment of 300 million over three years and improved performance management to ensure delivery at local level. In particular, we are monitoring the progress towards targets to reduce the level of new infections of gonorrhoea, as a marker for all sexually transmitted infections, to ensure patients have access to genito-urinary medicine clinics within 48 hours by 2008 and numbers of screens undertaken in the chlamydia screening programme. These improved performance measures, should significantly strengthen the incentive for local investment and service modernisation.
	In addition, the Operating Framework for 2006/7 for the NHS in England was published on 26 January. This sets out six specific service priorities for 200607 on which there will be a particular focus and are identified as a priority for action. One of the six is sexual health and access to genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics: to deliver the 200607 local delivery plan trajectories so that by 2008 everyone referred to a GUM clinic should have an appointment within 48 hours. This sends a clear message about the need to invest in GUM access and sexual health more broadly, and will support service re-engineering and modernisation.

Smoking

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will take steps to ensure that local authorities have sufficient resources from 200607 in order to enforce effectively the proposed ban on smoking in public places.

Caroline Flint: Following the commitment in the White Paper, Choosing Health that
	we will be working with local government to assess the resources implications of relevant initiatives before they are implemented.
	Departmental officials are in discussion with the Local Government Association and other key stakeholders on the detail of what resources will be needed. It is our intention that appropriate resources be in place to ensure smooth introduction of the smoke-free legislation.

Strategic Health Authorities

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the total cost of (a) replacing health authorities with primary care trusts and (b) replacing NHS regional offices with strategic health authorities was at 200506 prices.

Liam Byrne: The costs of establishing strategic health authorities and primary care trusts were met from within the financial allocations to the health authorities and are therefore not identifiable.

Strategic Health Authorities

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the written answer of 9 January 2006, Official Report, column 170W, on strategic health authorities, if she will publish the six-month forecast 200506 year-end financial position of each strategic health authority area.

Jane Kennedy: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 21 March 2006, Official Report, columns 27374W.

Terence Higgins Trust

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what funding her Department provides to the Terence Higgins trust.

Caroline Flint: The Terrence Higgins trust currently receives 2.025 million in funding from the Department.

Torbay Hospital

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she expects to make a decision on the proposals for rebuilding Torbay hospital.

Caroline Flint: The full business case (FBC) for this scheme has been prepared and submitted to South West Peninsula strategic health authority (SHA) for approval. Following publication of The NHS in England: the operating framework for 200607 on 26 January, South Devon Healthcare national health service trust will now need to revalidate the approval parameters for the scheme by responding to a range of questions from the Department concerning factors such as long-term affordability, assumptions on efficiency gains and income growth, liquidity, activity shift and reference cost.
	The trust will then need to have its conclusions ratified by the Department before proceeding. Departmental officials will shortly be writing to all trusts with private finance initiative schemes explaining how this process will proceed.

Trans Fats

Michael Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  whether she has assessed the merits of placing a legalmaximum on the level of trans fats in food in England;
	(2)  whether her Department (a) has made and (b) plans to make an assessment of (i) the technological feasibility of replacing trans fats in food with less harmful fats and (ii) the likely costs to the food production industry that would result;
	(3)  whether her Department (a) has made and (b) plans to make an assessment of the (i) potential effects on levels of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, obesity, omega-3 nutritional status, pre-eclampsia and atopic disorders and (ii) general public health effects of the imposition of legal maximums on the level of trans fats in food.

Caroline Flint: In 1994, the committee on medical aspects of food policy (COMA) reviewed the evidence on the adverse effects of trans unsaturated fatty acids (TFA) on coronary heart disease risk and recommended that average intakes should not exceed 2 per cent. total energy. In 198687 average intakes were 2 per cent. total energy and by 200001 this had reduced to an average intake of 1.1 per cent. total energy. Intakes of saturated fat, however, at 13.4 per cent. are higher than the COMA recommendation of 11 per cent. The Government's priority therefore is to reduce saturated fat intake, and action to encourage reductions is under way. Opportunities to reduce TFA intakes are being considered in this wider context.
	No assessment has been made of the feasibility, costs or health benefits related to placing a legal maximum on the occurrence of TFA in foods, and there are currently no plans to make such assessments. Some manufacturers and retailers have taken steps to eliminate, or reduce, hydrogenated vegetable oils, which contain TFA, in their products. Government have no data on the associated costs of these activities.

United Health

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the primary care trusts in which United Health are (a) providing and (b) due to provide primary care services; and what the nature of the services provided are in each case.

Liam Byrne: The information requested is not available centrally.

Waiting Times

Nick Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average waiting time was between general practitioner referral and hospital treatment in each London borough in the North West London strategic health authority area in each of the last five years.

Jane Kennedy: The information requested is not collected centrally.
	Measurement of the total patient pathway, from referral to treatment, will be in place in advance of 2008 to support delivery of the 18-week pathway. The Department is currently expected to commence monitoring of referral-to-treatment times across England from April 2007.
	Since January 2006, the Department has been collecting information on diagnostic waiting times as well. The Department hopes to commence routine monthly publication of the diagnostics data in the spring once it is of sufficient quality.

TREASURY

Carbon Emissions

David Howarth: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the potential change in carbon emissions arising from the changes to vehicle excise duty announced in the Budget.

John Healey: The strengthening of environmental incentives announced in the Budget is designed to give a clear signal to motorists to consider the environmental performance of vehicles at the point of purchase and also to motor manufacturers in the development of new models. Estimates on the carbon savings arising from the Budget changes suggest a modest saving of around 0.06MtCe in 2010, though calculating this figure is complex and subject to a significant margin of error.

Carbon Emissions

David Howarth: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the potential change in carbon emissions arising from the decision announced in the Budget to freeze air passenger duty.

John Healey: It is very difficult to make an assessment of the carbon effect from a freeze in APD rates due to the uncertainty of the effect this policy will have on the number of flights. Therefore no specific assessment has been made.

Carbon Emissions

David Howarth: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the potential change in carbon emissions arising from the decision announced in the Budget to increase duty on liquid petroleum gas and natural gas from 1 September 2006.

John Healey: The LPG and CNG fuel markets constitute a relatively small proportion of the road fuel market, details of which can be found in Hydrocarbon Oils Duties bulletin and factsheets at: http://www.uktradeinfo.com/index.cfm?task=statindex
	No specific assessment of the carbon effect of the increase in duty of LPG and CNG from 1 September 2006 has been made.

Economic Protectionism

David Howarth: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what response he made to the proposal from the Italian Finance Minister that he support a statement condemning economic nationalism and protectionism.

Ivan Lewis: The Government are committed to openness in trade and investment. We strongly believe that further steps are needed to drive up competition in the EU single market, as set out in the Budget. The UK will continue to advocate reforms that deliver these policy outcomes and will continue to raise these issues with the Commission and member states.

Industrial Wages

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average industrial wage was in (a) England and (b) Northern Ireland in (i) 1995 and (ii) 2005.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 28 March 2006
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what the average industrial wage was in (a) England and (b) Northern Ireland in (i) 1995 and (ii) 2005. (61418).
	The attached tables show statistics for industrial wages for both all Manufacturing jobs and all Production industry jobs.
	Average earnings for 2005 are estimated from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), and are provided for full time employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey period was not affected by absence. This is the standard definition used for ASHE. The ASHE does not collect data on the self employed and people who do unpaid work.
	Average earnings for 1995 are estimated from the New Earnings Survey (NES), and are provided for full time employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey period was not affected by absence. This is the standard definition for NES. The NES also did not collect data on the self employed and people who do unpaid work.
	The ASHE replaced the NES in 2004. The main difference between the ASHE and NES is that estimates are now weighted to population totals from the Labour Force Survey, and imputation is carried out for missing information. 2005 ASHE figures also include supplementary surveys to increase coverage. For these reasons there is a small discontinuity between ASHE and NES estimates provided.
	The ASHE and former NES, carried out in April of each year, is the most comprehensive source of earnings information in the United Kingdom. It is a one per cent. sample of all employees who are members of pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) schemes.
	
		Gross weekly () pay for full time employee jobs(46) by industry and place of work
		
			  England Northern Ireland 
			 2005 Median Mean Median Mean 
		
		
			 Manufacturing Industries(47) 440 511 364 403 
			 Production Industries(48) 443 515 370 416 
		
	
	(46) Employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay-period was not affected by absence.
	(47) Manufacturing Industries are defined as Section D of the Standard Industrial Classification of Economic Activities 2003 (SIC 2003).
	(48) Production Industries are defined as Sections C to E of SIC 2003.
	Notes:
	The median replaces the mean as the headline statistic. The weighted mean is the sum of the weighted values divided by the sum of the weights. The median is the value below which 50 per cent. of employees fall. It is preferred over the mean for earnings data as it is influenced less by extreme values and because of the skewed distribution of earnings data.
	The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) replaced the New Earnings Survey (NES) in 2004. The main difference between the ASHE and NES is that estimates are now weighted to population totals from the Labour Force Survey, and imputation is carried out for missing information. 2005 ASHE figures also include supplementary surveys to increase coverage. For these reasons ASHE figures show a small discontinuity when compared with NES statistics.
	Source:
	Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, Office for National Statistics.
	
		Gross weekly() pay for full time employee jobs(49) by industry and place of work
		
			  England Northern Ireland 
			 1995 Median Mean Median Mean 
		
		
			 Manufacturing Industries(50) 299 337 230 262 
			 Production Industries(51) 303 342 241 271 
		
	
	(49) Employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay-period was not affected by absence.
	(50) Manufacturing Industries are defined as Section D of the Standard Industrial Classification of Economic Activities 1992 (SIC 1992).
	(51) Production Industries are defined as Sections C to E of SIC 1992.
	Notes:
	The median replaces the mean as the headline statistic. The weighted mean is the sum of the weighted values divided by the sum of the weights. The median is the value below which 50 per cent. of employees fall. It is preferred over the mean for earnings data as it is influenced less by extreme values and because of the skewed distribution of earnings data.
	The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) replaced the New Earnings Survey (NES) in 2004. The main difference between the ASHE and NES is that estimates are now weighted to population totals from the Labour Force Survey, and imputation is carried out for missing information. 2005 ASHE figures also include supplementary surveys to increase coverage. For these reasons ASHE figures show a small discontinuity when compared with NES statistics.
	Source:
	New Earnings Survey, Office for National Statistics.

Lisbon Agenda

Keith Vaz: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on progress against the objectives of the Lisbon Agenda.

John Healey: At the 2005 Spring European Council, European leaders agreed to re-launch the Lisbon Strategy with a renewed emphasis on growth and jobs. Since 2001, average growth has been just 1.4 per cent. in the euro area and there are around 20 million unemployed.
	Strengthening economic reform in Europe is a key priority for the UK. During the UK Presidency of the EU, member states submitted their first Lisbon National Reform Programmes which set out policies to promote growth, employment creation and productivity. The UK will continue to press for progress on this agenda.

Personal Debt

Greg Knight: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the levels of personal debt were in each of the last two years for which figures are available.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 28 March 2006
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question on the levels of personal debt in each of the last two years. (61112)
	The current estimates of levels of personal debt are as follows:
	
		
			  Amount ( billion) 
		
		
			 end-2003 1047.4 
			 end-2004 1172.6 
			 end-2005 quarter 3 1249.3 
		
	
	These estimates cover the debt of households and non-profit institutions serving households (NPISHs). Estimates for households alone are not available. NPISHs are legal entities which are principally engaged in the production of non-market services for households and whose main resources are voluntary contributions by households. For example, charities; relief and aid organisations; educational establishments; Trade Unions; Professional Associations, Political Parties and Religious Organisations, and Sports Clubs and Associations.
	Further data are available from table A64 in United Kingdom Economic Accounts (http://nswebcopy/StatBase/Product.asp? vlnk=1904Pos=ColRank=lRank=422).

PFI Contracts

Adam Price: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the estimated payments under private finance initiative contracts contained in Table C19 of the Budget of March 2006 are included in Departmental Expenditure Limits and fall within the Barnett Formula; and what percentage of such payments will be allocated to the Welsh Assembly budget under the Barnett Formula calculations for comparable expenditure.

John Healey: All central Government unitary charge payments made under the private finance initiative are included in Departmental Expenditure Limits. Further, revenue support grants to local authorities, which fund a proportion of local government unitary charge payments, are also in Departmental Expenditure Limits. The devolved Administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland receive block budgets. Changes in these budgets and revisions to Departmental Expenditure Limits feed through to devolved Administrations through the Barnett Formula. The devolved Administrations allocate their block budgets to services in accordance with local needs and priorities and it is a matter for the devolved Administrations to decide whether to purchase services through direct spending or via PFI schemes. Therefore all unitary charge payments from PFI projects signed by the devolved Administrations are paid for from the budgets of those administrations, as would be the case for an English Department.

Public Sector Pensions

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he expects his long-term estimate of the cost to public sector pension schemes published in the long-term public finance report to be revised.

John Healey: The projections of expenditure by unfunded public service pension schemes contained in the latest long term public finance report are consistent with the latest published accounts for those schemes. Changes to accounting assumptions on discount rates which affect the reported liabilities do not affect the cash flows. The cash flow projections will be reviewed as usual in preparation for the next long term public finance report.

Public Sector Pensions

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 2 March 2006, Official Report, column 388, on public sector pensions, and the technical note placed in the Library, if he will break down the liability referred to in paragraph 12 by age of affected member in five year age bands.

John Healey: This information cannot be provided without disproportionate cost. Paragraph 12 of the Technical Note explained that differences between experience of pay increases in 200405 and long-term actuarial assumptions on pay increases accounted for 10 billion of the increase in liabilities reported by all unfunded public service schemes in that year, and that 7 billion of this was attributable to pay reforms in the NHS. A breakdown of the estimate by amounts attributable to members of schemes in different age bands is not available.

Superannuation Liability

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what total amount of employers' normal contributions accruing superannuation liability charge has accounted for by his Department in each of the last five years for which data is available.

John Healey: This information is contained in HMT's resource accounts (in the note on staff numbers and costs). For the four years from 200102 these are available on HMT's public website at www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/about/resourceaccounts/resourceaccounts_index.cfm
	The 200001 resource accountsare available from the House of Commons Library (HC 573, 31 January 2002).

Tax Credits

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps the Government are taking to reduce delayed payment of tax credits; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: The vast majority of claimants get their payments on time.
	HM Revenue and Customs are working hard to improve administration and address technical issues in order to minimise impact on claimants.

Tax Credits

Oliver Letwin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he will take to ensure that there is an adequate supply of tax credit application forms in West Dorset; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: Tax credits claim forms may be obtained by calling the national tax credits helpline or the national orderline.

Tax Credits

Frank Field: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  how many tax credit awards which had been terminated mid-year due to the return of an incomplete renewals form were subsequently found to be due to the unsuccessful scanning of the form by HM Revenue and Customs in the last period for which figures are available;
	(2)  in how many and what proportion of cases where a tax credit award was suspended due to the return of an incomplete tax credit renewals form HM Revenue and Customs (a) attempted to contact the claimant concerned for the missing information and (b) was successful in obtaining the information necessary for the completion of the renewal form in the last period for which figures are available;
	(3)  how many tax credit awards were terminated following the return of an incomplete tax credit renewal form in each year since 2003.

Dawn Primarolo: The information requested is not available.

Tax Credits

Frank Field: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many households have moved from having a tax credit award to no form of tax credit award mid-year; and what the reasons are for this occurring.

Dawn Primarolo: The latest annual information is for 200405 awards. About 600,000 tax credit awards were ceased or terminated during that year. The main reasons were:
	(a) Couples separating, or single adults partnering;
	(b) Families ceasing to satisfy the qualifying conditions (these are mainly responsibility for a child, or for a young person in full-time non-advanced education and aged under 19; or the family containing a disabled worker or an adult aged over 25 and working for at least 30 hours per week; and UK residence);
	(c) The award being terminated, for example through failure to return the annual declaration for 200304, or to return a signed award notice.
	For both ceased or terminated awards a household, or individuals from the household as part of a new household, may be able to apply for new, subsequent awards starting in the same year.

Tote

Ben Wallace: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list (a) financial institutions and (b) private equityhouses with which he has discussed the sale of the Tote.

John Healey: Treasury Ministers discuss a wide range of issues with a variety of organisations in the public and private sectors as part of policy development and analysis. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Government's practice to provide details of all these discussions.

Wildlife Souvenirs

Joan Walley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many wildlife souvenirs have been seized by HM Revenue and Customs each year since 2000; what the item was and from which species the item was derived in each case; and how many such souvenirs were from South Africa in each case.

Dawn Primarolo: HM Revenue and Customs have interpreted wildlife souvenirs to be animals, plants or products of endangered species.
	Details of seizures by HMRC of endangered species listed under Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein from 1999 to 2004 are available on the UK CITES website at www.ukcites.gov.uk/news/tradestatistics.
	Seizures are recorded by the following categories : ivory, live animals and birds, parts and derivatives, traditional Asian medicines and other endangered species. The records show the country of origin, expressed sometimes as country whence consigned or country of last export. In some years the code ZA is used for the Republic of South Africa. HMRC records do not identify whether any of the items were purchased as souvenirs.